Antagonist Antibodies Directed Against Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide and Methods Using Same

ABSTRACT

The invention features methods for preventing or treating CGRP associated disorders such as vasomotor symptoms and/or headaches (e.g., migraine, cluster headache, and tension headache) by administering an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody. Compositions for use in the disclosed methods are also provided. Antagonist antibody G1 and antibodies derived from G1 directed to CGRP are also described.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/879,900, filed on Jan. 25, 2018, which is acontinuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/664,715,filed on Mar. 20, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,896,502, which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/968,897, filedMar. 21, 2014, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/083,809, filedNov. 24, 2014 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/119,778filed Feb. 23, 2015, which applications are incorporated herein byreference in their entireties for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide) is a 37 amino acid neuropeptide,which belongs to a family of peptides that includes calcitonin,adrenomedullin and amylin. In humans, two forms of CGRP (α-CGRP andβ-CGRP) exist and have similar activities. They vary by three aminoacids and exhibit differential distribution. At least two CGRP receptorsubtypes may also account for differential activities. CGRP is aneurotransmitter in the central nervous system, and has been shown to bea potent vasodilator in the periphery, where CGRP-containing neurons areclosely associated with blood vessels. CGRP-mediated vasodilatation isalso associated with neurogenic inflammation, as part of a cascade ofevents that results in extravasation of plasma and vasodilation of themicrovasculature and is present in migraine.

CGRP has been noted for its possible connection to vasomotor symptoms(Wyon et al. Scand. J. Urol. Nephrol. 35: 92-96 (2001); Wyon et al.Menopause 7(1):25-30 (2000)). Vasomotor symptoms (VMS), such as hotflushes and night sweats, are the most common symptoms associated withmenopause, occurring in 60% to 80% of all women following natural orsurgically-induced menopause. Hot flushes are likely to be an adaptiveresponse of the central nervous system (CNS) to declining sex steroids(Freedman Am. J. Human Biol. 13:453-464 (2001)). To date, the mosteffective therapies for flushes are hormone-based treatments, includingestrogens and/or some progestins. Hormonal treatments can be effectivefor alleviating flushes, but are not appropriate for all women.Psychological and emotional symptoms observed, such as nervousness,fatigue, irritability, insomnia, depression, memory loss, headache,anxiety, nervousness or inability to concentrate are considered to becaused by the sleep deprivation following hot flush and night sweats(Kramer et al., In: Murphy et al., 3.sup.rd Int'l Symposium on RecentAdvances in Urological Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment-Proceedings,Paris, France: SCI: 3-7 (1992)).

Men also experience hot flushes following steroid hormone (androgen)withdrawal. This is true in cases of age-associated androgen decline(Katovich, et al., Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology &Medicine, 1990, 193(2): 129-35) as well as in extreme cases of hormonedeprivation associated with treatments for prostate cancer (Berendsen,et al., European Journal of Pharmacology, 2001, 419(1): 47-54). As manyas one-third of these patients will experience persistent and frequentsymptoms severe enough to cause significant discomfort andinconvenience.

CGRP is a potent vasodilator that has been implicated in the pathologyof other vasomotor symptoms, such as forms of vascular headache,including migraines (with or without aura) and cluster headache. Durham,N. Engl. J. Med. 350:1073-1075, 2004. The serum levels of CGRP in theexternal jugular vein are elevated in patients during migraine headache.Goadsby et al., Ann. Neurol. 28:183-7, 1990. Intravenous administrationof human α-CGRP induced headache and migraine in patients suffering frommigraine without aura, suggesting that CGRP has a causative role inmigraine. Lassen et al., Cephalalgia 22:54-61, 2002.

Possible CGRP involvement in migraine has been the basis for thedevelopment and testing of a number of compounds that inhibit release ofCGRP (e.g., sumatriptan), antagonize at the CGRP receptor (e.g.,dipeptide derivative BIBN4096BS (Boerhringer Ingelheim); CGRP(8-37)), orinteract with one or more of receptor-associated proteins, such as,receptor activity membrane protein (RAMP) or receptor component protein(RCP), both of which affect binding of CGRP to its receptors. Brain, S.et al., Trends in Pharmacological Sciences 23:51-53, 2002. Alpha-2adrenoceptor subtypes and adenosine A1 receptors also control (inhibit)CGRP release and trigeminal activation (Goadsby et al., Brain125:1392-401, 2002). The adenosine A1 receptor agonist GR79236(metrafadil), which has been shown to inhibit neurogenic vasodilationand trigeminal nociception in humans, may also have anti-migraineactivity (Arulmani et al., Cephalalgia 25:1082-1090, 2005; Giffin etal., Cephalalgia 23:287-292, 2003.)

Confounding this theory is the observation that treatment with compoundsthat exclusively inhibit neurogenic inflammation (e.g., tachykinin NK1receptor antagonists) or trigeminal activation (e.g., 5HT_(1D) receptoragonists) have been shown to be relatively ineffective as acutetreatments for migraine, leading some investigators to question whetherinhibiting release of CGRP is the primary mechanism of action ofeffective anti-migraine treatments. Arulmani et al., Eur. J. Pharmacol.500:315-330, 2004.

Migraine is a complex, common neurological condition that ischaracterized by severe, episodic attacks of headache and associatedfeatures, which may include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light,sound or movement. In some patients, the headache is preceded oraccompanied by an aura. The headache pain may be severe and may also beunilateral in certain patients.

Migraine attacks are disruptive to daily life. In US and Western Europe,the overall prevalence of migraine sufferers is 11% of the generalpopulation (6% males; 15-18% females). Furthermore, the median frequencyof attacks in an individual is 1.5/month. While there are a number oftreatments available to alleviate or reduce symptoms, preventive therapyis recommended for those patients having more than 3-4 attacks ofmigraine per month. Goadsby et al. New Engl. J. Med. 346(4): 257-275,2002.

The variety of pharmacologic interventions that have been used to treatmigraine and the variability in responses among patients are a testamentto the diverse nature of this disorder. Thus, such relativelynon-selective drugs as ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine,dihydroergotamine, methysergide), which exhibit serotonergic, as well asadrenergic, noradrenergic and dopaminergic activity, have been used forover eighty years to treat migraine. Other treatments include opiates(e.g., oxycodone) and β-adrenergic antagonists (e.g., propranolol). Somepatients, usually those with milder symptoms, are able to control theirsymptoms with non-prescription remedies such as one or morenon-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs), such as a combinationof aspirin, acetaminophen and caffeine (e.g., Excedrin® Migraine).

More recently, some migraine patients have been treated with topiramate,an anticonvulsant that blocks voltage-dependent sodium channels andcertain glutamate receptors (AMPA-kainate), potentiates GABA-A receptoractivity, and blocks carbonic anhydrase. The relatively recent successof serotonin 5HT-1B/1D and/or 5HT-1a receptor agonists, such assumatriptan, in some patients has led researchers to propose aserotonergic etiology of the disorder. Unfortunately, while somepatients respond well to this treatment, others are relatively resistantto its effects.

It has been postulated that a dysfunction of an ion channel in theaminergic brainstem nuclei underlies the disorder, however, the precisepathophysiology of migraine is not yet well understood. One form ofmigraine, familial hemiplegic migraine, has been shown to be associatedwith missense mutations in the al subunit of the voltage-gated P/Q-typecalcium channel, and it is thought likely that other ion-channelmutations will also be found in other populations of patients. Whiledilation of blood vessels is associated with and exacerbates the painsymptoms of migraine, such neurovascular events are now thought to be aresult of, rather than causative of, the condition. Overall, dysfunctionof brainstem pathways modulating sensory input is considered to be aunifying feature of migraine. Goadsby, P. J. et al., New Engl. J. Med.346(4): 257-275, 2002.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In some aspects, the invention disclosed herein concerns anti-CGRPantagonist antibodies and methods of using anti-CGRP antagonistantibodies for treating or preventing vasomotor symptoms. Examples ofvasomotor symptoms are provided herein, such as hot flush. In somecases, anti-CGRP antagonist antibodies are used for treating orpreventing a headache, such as migraine with or without aura, hemiplegicmigraine, cluster headaches, migrainous neuralgia, chronic headaches,tension headaches, and headaches resulting from other medical conditions(such as infection or increased pressure in the skull due to a tumor).

In one aspect, the present invention provides a method for treating orpreventing at least one vasomotor symptom in an individual comprisingadministering to the individual an effective amount of an anti-CGRPantagonist antibody.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a method for treating orpreventing headache (e.g., migraine and cluster headache) in anindividual comprising administering to the individual an effectiveamount of an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for ameliorating,controlling, reducing incidence of, or delaying the development orprogression of headache (e.g., migraine and cluster headache) in anindividual comprising administering to the individual an effectiveamount of an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody.

In one aspect, the invention provides a method of treating or reducingincidence of at least one vasomotor symptom and/or headache in asubject. In one embodiment, the method comprises administering to thesubject on a plurality of days an amount of monoclonal antibody (e.g.,monoclonal anti-CGRP-antagonist antibody) that modulates the CGRPpathway, wherein the amount administered on each of the plurality ofdays is less than 1000 mg. In one embodiment, the method comprisesadministering to the subject on a plurality of days an amount ofmonoclonal antibody (e.g., monoclonal anti-CGRP-antagonist antibody)that modulates the CGRP pathway, wherein the amount administered on eachof the plurality of days is between 100-2000 mg. In some embodiments,the headache is migraine headache (e.g. chronic migraine headache orepisodic migraine headache). In some embodiments, two of the pluralityof days are more than seven days apart. In some embodiments, theincidence of headache is reduced for at least seven days after a singleadministration. In some embodiments, the amount of the monoclonalantibody administered on a first day is different than (e.g. more than)the amount of the monoclonal antibody administered on a second day. Insome embodiments, the subject is administered less than 3 doses permonth. In some embodiments, the administering is subcutaneousadministration. In some embodiments, the administering is intravenousadministration. In some embodiments, the administering comprisesutilizing a pre-filled syringe comprising the amount of the monoclonalantibody. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody is formulated ata concentration of 150 mg/mL. In some embodiments, the monoclonalantibody is administered in a volume of less than 2 mL. In someembodiments, the amount of monoclonal antibody is less than 1000 mg. Insome embodiments, monthly headache hours experienced by the subjectafter said administering is reduced by 40 or more hours (e.g. 45, 50,55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, or more) from a pre-administration level in thesubject. Monthly headache hours may be reduced by more than 60 hours. Insome embodiments, monthly headache hours experienced by the subjectafter said administering are reduced by 25% or more (e.g. 30%, 35%, 40%,45%, 50%, or more) relative to a pre-administration level in thesubject. Monthly headache hours may be reduced by 40% or more. In someembodiments, monthly headache days experienced by the subject after saidadministering is reduced by 3 or more days (e.g. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or more days) from apre-administration level in the subject. In some embodiments, the methodfurther comprises administering to the subject a second agentsimultaneously or sequentially with the monoclonal antibody. The secondagent can be any of 5-HT1 agonists, triptans, ergot alkaloids, andnon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In some embodiments, the secondagent is an agent taken by the subject prophylactically. In someembodiments, monthly use of the second agent by the subject is decreasedby at least 15% after administering the monoclonal antibody. In someembodiments, the second agent is a triptan. In some embodiments, thesubject is a human. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody is ahuman or humanized monoclonal antibody. In some embodiments, themonoclonal antibody comprises (a) an antibody having a CDR H1 as setforth in SEQ ID NO: 3; a CDR H2 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4; a CDR H3as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 5; a CDR L1 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6; aCDR L2 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7; and a CDR L3 as set forth in SEQ IDNO: 8; or (b) a variant of an antibody according to (a) as shown inTable 6.

In one aspect, the invention provides a method of decreasing a number ofmonthly headache hours experienced by a subject. In one embodiment, themethod comprises administering to the subject an amount of a monoclonalantibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, wherein the monoclonalantibody is in an amount effective to decrease the number of monthlyheadache hours by at least 20 (e.g. 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65,70 or more headache hours) after a single dose. In some embodiments, thenumber of monthly headache hours is reduced by at least about 50 hours.In one embodiment, the method comprises administering to the subject anamount of a monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, whereinthe monoclonal antibody is in an amount effective to decrease the numberof monthly headache hours by at least 15% (e.g. 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%,or more) after a single dose. In some embodiments, the number of monthlyheadache hours is reduced by at least about 30%. In some embodiments,the monoclonal antibody is an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody. In someembodiments, the amount of the monoclonal antibody is less than 1000 mg.In some embodiments, the subject is administered fewer than 3 doses permonth. In some embodiments, the administering is subcutaneous orintravenous administration. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibodyis formulated at a concentration of at least 150 mg/mL. In someembodiments, wherein the monoclonal antibody is administered in a volumeof less than 2 mL. In some embodiments, the subject is human. In someembodiments, the monoclonal antibody is human or humanized. In someembodiments, the monoclonal antibody comprises (a) an antibody having aCDR H1 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3; a CDR H2 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:4; a CDR H3 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 5; a CDR L1 as set forth in SEQID NO: 6; a CDR L2 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7; and a CDR L3 as setforth in SEQ ID NO: 8; or (b) a variant of an antibody according to (a)as shown in Table 6.

In one aspect, the invention provides a method of decreasing a number ofmonthly headache days experienced by a subject. In one embodiment, themethod comprises administering to the subject an amount of a monoclonalantibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, wherein the monoclonalantibody is in an amount effective to decrease the number of monthlyheadache days by at least 3 (e.g. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or more headache days) after a single dose.In some embodiments, the number of monthly headache days is reduced byat least about 6 headache days. In some embodiments, the monoclonalantibody is an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody. In some embodiments, theamount of the monoclonal antibody is less than 1000 mg. In someembodiments, the subject is administered fewer than 3 doses per month.In some embodiments, the administering is subcutaneous or intravenousadministration. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody isformulated at a concentration of at least 150 mg/mL. In someembodiments, wherein the monoclonal antibody is administered in a volumeof less than 2 mL. In some embodiments, the subject is human. In someembodiments, the monoclonal antibody is human or humanized. In someembodiments, the monoclonal antibody comprises (a) an antibody having aCDR H1 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3; a CDR H2 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:4; a CDR H3 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 5; a CDR L1 as set forth in SEQID NO: 6; a CDR L2 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7; and a CDR L3 as setforth in SEQ ID NO: 8; or (b) a variant of an antibody according to (a)as shown in Table 6.

In one aspect, the invention provides a method of decreasing use of ananti-headache medication in a subject, comprising administering to thesubject a monoclonal antibody (e.g., anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) thatmodulates the CGRP pathway, wherein the monoclonal antibody is in anamount effective to decrease monthly use of the anti-headache medicationby the subject by at least 15% (e.g. 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, or more).In some embodiments, the anti-headache medication is selected from thegroup consisting of 5-HT1 agonists, triptans, opiates, β-adrenergicantagonists, ergot alkaloids, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs). In some embodiments, the anti-headache medication is atriptan. In some embodiments, the amount of the monoclonal antibody isless than 1000 mg. In some embodiments, the subject is administeredfewer than 3 doses per month. In some embodiments, the administering issubcutaneous or intravenous administration. In some embodiments, themonoclonal antibody is formulated at a concentration of at least 150mg/mL. In some embodiments, wherein the monoclonal antibody isadministered in a volume of less than 2 mL. In some embodiments, thesubject is human. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody is humanor humanized. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody comprises (a)an antibody having a CDR H1 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3; a CDR H2 asset forth in SEQ ID NO: 4; a CDR H3 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 5; a CDRL1 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6; a CDR L2 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7;and a CDR L3 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8; or (b) a variant of anantibody according to (a) as shown in Table 6.

In one aspect, the invention provides a method of treating or reducingincidence of headache (e.g., migraine headache) in a subject comprisingadministering to the subject a single dose of a monoclonal antibody(e.g., monoclonal anti-CGRP-antagonist antibody) in an amount thatmodulates the CGRP pathway, wherein the amount of the monoclonalantibody is between 100-2000 mg.

In a further embodiment, the invention provides methods forameliorating, controlling, reducing incidence of, or delaying thedevelopment or progression of headache (e.g., migraine and clusterheadache) in an individual comprising administering to the individual aneffective amount of an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody in combination withat least one additional agent useful for treating headache. Suchadditional agents include 5-HT1-like agonists (and agonists acting atother 5-HT1 sites), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Examples of 5-HT1 agonists that can be used on combination with ananti-CGRP antibody include a class of compounds known as triptans, suchas sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, eletriptan,almotriptan, and frovatriptan. Ergot alkaloids and related compounds arealso known to have 5-HT agonist activity and have been used to treatheadache such as migraine. Included among these compounds are ergotaminetartrate, ergonovine maleate, and ergoloid mesylates (e.g.,dihydroergocornine, dihydroergocristine, dihydroergocryptine, anddihydroergotamine mesylate (DHE 45)).

Examples of NSAIDs that can be used in combination with an anti-CGRPantibody include aspirin, diclofenac, diflusinal, etodolac, fenbufen,fenoprofen, flufenisal, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin,ketoprofen, ketorolac, meclofenamic acid, mefenamic acid, nabumetone,naproxen, oxaprozin, phenylbutazone, piroxicam, sulindac, tolmetin orzomepirac, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors, celecoxib; rofecoxib;meloxicam; JTE-522; L-745,337; NS398; or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for ameliorating,controlling, reducing incidence of, or delaying the development orprogression of hot flushes in an individual comprising administering tothe individual an effective amount of an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody.

In another aspect, the invention provides methods for ameliorating,controlling, reducing incidence of, or delaying the development orprogression of hot flushes in an individual comprising administering tothe individual an effective amount of an anti-CGRP antagonist antibodyin combination with at least one additional agent useful for treatinghot flushes. Such additional agents include, but are not limited to,hormone-based treatments, including estrogens and/or progestins.

In one embodiment, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody used in any of themethods described above is any of the antibodies as described herein.

In some embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody recognizes ahuman CGRP. In some embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody bindsto both human α-CGRP and 8-CGRP. In some embodiments, the anti-CGRPantagonist antibody binds human and rat CGRP. In some embodiments, theanti-CGRP antagonist antibody binds the C-terminal fragment having aminoacids 25-37 of CGRP. In some embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonistantibody binds a C-terminal epitope within amino acids 25-37 of CGRP.

In some embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody is a monoclonalantibody. In some embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody ishumanized. In some embodiments, the antibody is human. In someembodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody is antibody G1 (asdescribed herein). In some embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonistantibody comprises one or more CDR(s) (such as one, two, three, four,five, or, in some embodiments, all six CDRs) of antibody G1 or variantsof G1 shown in Table 6. In still other embodiments, the anti-CGRPantagonist antibody comprises the amino acid sequence of the heavy chainvariable region shown in FIG. 5 (SEQ ID NO: 1) and the amino acidsequence of the light chain variable region shown in FIG. 5 (SEQ ID NO:2).

In some embodiments, the antibody comprises a modified constant region,such as a constant region that is immunologically inert (includingpartially immunologically inert), e.g., does not trigger complementmediated lysis, does not stimulate antibody-dependent cell mediatedcytotoxicity (ADCC), does not activate microglia, or having reduced oneor more of these activities. In some embodiments, the constant region ismodified as described in Eur. J. Immunol. (1999) 29:2613-2624; PCTApplication No. PCT/GB99/01441; and/or UK Patent Application No.9809951.8. In other embodiments, the antibody comprises a human heavychain IgG2 constant region comprising the following mutations: A330P331to S330S331 (amino acid numbering with reference to the wildtype IgG2sequence). Eur. J. Immunol. (1999) 29:2613-2624. In some embodiments,the heavy chain constant region of the antibody is a human heavy chainIgG1 with any of the following mutations: 1) A327A330P331 toG327S330S331; 2) E233L234L235G236 (SEQ ID NO: 48) to P233V234A235 withG236 deleted; 3) E233L234L235 to P233V234A235; 4)E233L234L235G236A327A330P331 (SEQ ID NO: 49) to P233V234A235G327S330S331(SEQ ID NO: 50) with G236 deleted; 5) E233L234L235A327A330P331 (SEQ IDNO: 51) to P233V234A235G327S330S331 (SEQ ID NO: 50); and 6) N297 to A297or any other amino acid except N. In some embodiments, the heavy chainconstant region of the antibody is a human heavy chain IgG4 with any ofthe following mutations: E233F234L235G236 (SEQ ID NO: 52) toP233V234A235 with G236 deleted; E233F234L235 to P233V234A235; and5228L235 to P228E235.

In still other embodiments, the constant region is aglycosylated forN-linked glycosylation. In some embodiments, the constant region isaglycosylated for N-linked glycosylation by mutating the oligosaccharideattachment residue (such as Asn297) and/or flanking residues that arepart of the N-glycosylation recognition sequence in the constant region.In some embodiments, the constant region is aglycosylated for N-linkedglycosylation. The constant region may be aglycosylated for N-linkedglycosylation enzymatically or by expression in a glycosylationdeficient host cell.

The binding affinity (K_(D)) of an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody to CGRP(such as human α-CGRP as measured by surface plasmon resonance at anappropriate temperature, such as 25 or 37° C.) can be about 0.02 toabout 200 nM. In some embodiments, the binding affinity is any of about200 nM, about 100 nM, about 50 nM, about 10 nM, about 1 nM, about 500pM, about 100 pM, about 60 pM, about 50 pM, about 20 pM, about 15 pM,about 10 pM, about 5 pM, or about 2 pM. In some embodiments, the bindingaffinity is less than any of about 250 nM, about 200 nM, about 100 nM,about 50 nM, about 10 nM, about 1 nM, about 500 pM, about 100 pM, orabout 50 pM. In some embodiments, the binding affinity is less thanabout 50 nM.

The anti-CGRP antagonist antibody may be administered prior to, duringand/or after headache. In some embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonistantibody is administered prior to the attack of headache (e.g., migraineand cluster headache). Administration of an anti-CGRP antagonistantibody can be by any means known in the art, including: orally,intravenously, subcutaneously, intraarterially, intramuscularly,intranasally (e.g., with or without inhalation), intracardially,intraspinally, intrathoracically, intraperitoneally, intraventricularly,sublingually, transdermally, and/or via inhalation. Administration maybe systemic, e.g. intravenously, or localized.

In some embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody may beadministered in conjunction with another agent, such as another agentfor treating headache.

In another aspect, the invention provides use of an anti-CGRP antagonistantibody for the manufacture of a medicament for use in any of themethods described herein, for example, for treating or preventingheadache.

In another aspect, the invention provides a pharmaceutical compositionfor preventing or treating headache (e.g., migraine and clusterheadache) comprising an effective amount of an anti-CGRP antagonistantibody, in combination with one or more pharmaceutically acceptableexcipients.

In another aspect, the invention provides a kit for use in any of themethods described herein. In some embodiments, the kit comprises acontainer, a composition comprising an anti-CGRP antagonist antibodydescribed herein, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptablecarrier, and instructions for using the composition in any of themethods described herein.

The present invention also provides anti-CGRP antagonist antibodies andpolypeptides derived from antibody G1 or its variants shown in Table 6.Accordingly, in one aspect, the invention provides an antibody G1(interchangeably termed “G1”) that is produced by expression vectorshaving ATCC Accession Nos. PTA-6866 and PTA-6867. For example, in oneembodiment is an antibody comprising a heavy chain produced by theexpression vector with ATCC Accession No. PTA-6867. In a furtherembodiment is an antibody comprising a light chain produced by theexpression vector with ATCC Accession No. PTA-6866. The amino acidsequences of the heavy chain and light chain variable regions of G1 areshown in FIG. 5. The complementarity determining region (CDR) portionsof antibody G1 (including Chothia and Kabat CDRs) are also shown in FIG.5. It is understood that reference to any part of or entire region of G1encompasses sequences produced by the expression vectors having ATCCAccession Nos. PTA-6866 and PTA-6867, and/or the sequences depicted inFIG. 5. In some embodiments, the invention also provides antibodyvariants of G1 with amino acid sequences depicted in Table 6.

In one aspect, the invention provides an antibody comprising a V_(H)domain that is at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%,at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, atleast 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97% at least 98%, atleast 99% or 100% identical in amino acid sequence to SEQ ID NO: 1.

In another aspect, the invention provides an antibody comprising a V_(L)domain that is at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%,at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, atleast 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97% at least 98%, atleast 99% or 100% identical in amino acid sequence to SEQ ID NO: 2.

In another aspect, the invention provides an antibody comprising afragment or a region of the antibody G1 or its variants shown in Table6. In one embodiment, the fragment is a light chain of the antibody G1.In another embodiment, the fragment is a heavy chain of the antibody G1.In yet another embodiment, the fragment contains one or more variableregions from a light chain and/or a heavy chain of the antibody G1. Inyet another embodiment, the fragment contains one or more variableregions from a light chain and/or a heavy chain shown in FIG. 5. In yetanother embodiment, the fragment contains one or more CDRs from a lightchain and/or a heavy chain of the antibody G1.

In another aspect, the invention provides polypeptides (which may or maynot be an antibody) comprising a V_(H) CDR3 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:5, or a sequence that differs from SEQ ID NO: 5 by 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5amino acid substitutions. In a particular embodiment, such amino acidsubstitutions are conservative substitutions.

In another aspect, the invention provides polypeptides (which may or maynot be an antibody) comprising a V_(L) CDR3 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:8, or a sequence that differs from SEQ ID NO: 8 by 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5amino acid substitutions. In a particular embodiment, such amino acidsubstitutions are conservative substitutions.

In another aspect, the invention provides polypeptides (which may or maynot be an antibody) comprising any one or more of the following: a) oneor more CDR(s) of antibody G1 or its variants shown in Table 6; b) CDRH3 from the heavy chain of antibody G1 or its variants shown in Table 6;c) CDR L3 from the light chain of antibody G1 or its variants shown inTable 6; d) three CDRs from the light chain of antibody G1 or itsvariants shown in Table 6; e) three CDRs from the heavy chain ofantibody G1 or its variants shown in Table 6; 0 three CDRs from thelight chain and three CDRs from the heavy chain of antibody G1 or itsvariants shown in Table 6. In some embodiments, the invention furtherprovides polypeptides (which may or may not be an antibody) comprisingany one or more of the following: a) one or more (one, two, three, four,five, or six) CDR(s) derived from antibody G1 or its variants shown inTable 6; b) a CDR derived from CDR H3 from the heavy chain of antibodyG1; and/or c) a CDR derived from CDR L3 from the light chain of antibodyG1. In some embodiments, the CDR is a CDR shown in FIG. 5. In someembodiments, the one or more CDRs derived from antibody G1 or itsvariants shown in Table 6 are at least about 85%, at least about 86%, atleast about 87%, at least about 88%, at least about 89%, at least about90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, atleast about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about97%, at least about 98%, or at least about 99% identical to at leastone, at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, or atleast six CDRs of G1 or its variants.

In some embodiments, the CDR is a Kabat CDR. In other embodiments, theCDR is a Chothia CDR. In other embodiments, the CDR is a combination ofa Kabat and a Chothia CDR (also termed “combined CDR” or “extendedCDR”). In other words, for any given embodiment containing more than oneCDR, the CDRs may be any of Kabat, Chothia, and/or combined.

In some embodiments, the polypeptide (such as an antibody) comprises theamino acid sequence of KASKXaaVXaaTYVS (SEQ ID NO: 53), wherein Xaa atposition 5 is R, W, G, L, or N; and wherein Xaa at position 7 is T, A,D, G, R, S, W, or V. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence ofKASKXaaVXaaTYVS (SEQ ID NO: 53) is CDR1 of an antibody light chain.

In some embodiments, the polypeptide (such as an antibody) comprises theamino acid sequence of XaaXaaSNRYXaa (SEQ ID NO: 54), wherein Xaa atposition 1 is G or A; wherein Xaa at position 2 is A or H; and whereinXaa at position 7 is L, T, I, or S. In some embodiments, the amino acidsequence of XaaXaaSNRYXaa (SEQ ID NO: 54) is CDR2 of an antibody lightchain.

In some embodiments, the polypeptide (such as an antibody) comprises theamino acid sequence of EIRSXaaSDXaaXaaATXaaYAXaaAVKG (SEQ ID NO: 55),wherein Xaa at position 5 is E, R, K, Q, or N; wherein Xaa at position 8is A, G, N, E, H, S, L, R, C, F, Y, V, D, or P; wherein Xaa at position9 is S, G, T, Y, C, E, L, A, P, I, N, R, V, D, or M; wherein Xaa atposition 12 is H or F; wherein Xaa at position 15 is E or D. In someembodiments, the amino acid sequence of EIRSXaaSDXaaXaaATXaaYAXaaAVKG(SEQ ID NO: 55) is CDR2 of an antibody heavy chain.

In some embodiments, the polypeptide (such as an antibody) comprises theamino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, wherein amino acid residue atposition 99 of SEQ ID NO:1 is L or is substituted by A, N, S, T, V, orR; and wherein amino acid residues at position 100 of SEQ ID NO:1 is Aor is substituted by L, R, S, V, Y, C, G, T, K, or P.

In some embodiments, the antibody is a human antibody. In otherembodiments, the antibody a humanized antibody. In some embodiments, theantibody is monoclonal. In some embodiments, the antibody (orpolypeptide) is isolated. In some embodiments, the antibody (orpolypeptide) is substantially pure.

The heavy chain constant region of the antibodies may be from any typesof constant region, such as IgG, IgM, IgD, IgA, and IgE; and anyisotypes, such as IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4.

In some embodiments, the antibody comprises a modified constant regionas described herein.

In another aspect, the invention provides a polynucleotide (which may beisolated) comprising a polynucleotide encoding a fragment or a region ofthe antibody G1 or its variants shown in Table 6. In one embodiment, thefragment is a light chain of the antibody G1. In another embodiment, thefragment is a heavy chain of the antibody G1. In yet another embodiment,the fragment contains one or more variable regions from a light chainand/or a heavy chain of the antibody G1. In yet another embodiment, thefragment contains one or more (i.e., one, two, three, four, five, orsix) complementarity determining regions (CDRs) from a light chainand/or a heavy chain of the antibody G1.

In another aspect, the invention provides a polynucleotide (which may beisolated) comprising a polynucleotide that encodes for antibody G1 orits variants shown in Table 6. In some embodiments, the polynucleotidecomprises either or both of the polynucleotides shown in SEQ ID NO:9 andSEQ ID NO:10.

In another aspect, the invention provides polynucleotides encoding anyof the antibodies (including antibody fragments) or polypeptidesdescribed herein.

In another aspect, the invention provides vectors (including expressionand cloning vectors) and host cells comprising any of the polynucleotidedisclosed herein. In some embodiments, the vector is pDb.CGRP.hFcGlhaving ATCC No. PTA-6867. In other embodiments, the vector ispEb.CGRP.hKGI having ATCC No. PTA-6866.

In another aspect, the invention provides a host cell comprising apolynucleotide encoding any of the antibodies described herein.

In another aspect, the invention provides a complex of CGRP bound by anyof the antibodies or polypeptides described herein. In some embodiments,the antibody is antibody G1 or its variants shown in Table 6.

In another aspect, the invention provides a pharmaceutical compositioncomprising an effective amount of any of the polypeptides (includingantibodies, such as an antibody comprising one or more CDRs of antibodyG1) or polynucleotides described herein, and a pharmaceuticallyacceptable excipient.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method of generatingantibody G1 comprising culturing a host cell or progeny thereof underconditions that allow production of antibody G1, wherein the host cellcomprises an expression vector that encodes for antibody G1; and, insome embodiments, purifying the antibody G1. In some embodiments, theexpression vector comprises one or both of the polynucleotide sequencesshown in SEQ ID NO:9 and SEQ ID NO:10.

In another aspect, the invention provides methods of generating any ofthe antibodies or polypeptides described herein by expressing one ormore polynucleotides encoding the antibody (which may be separatelyexpressed as a single light or heavy chain, or both a light and a heavychain are expressed from one vector) or the polypeptide in a suitablecell, generally followed by recovering and/or isolating the antibody orpolypeptides of interest.

The anti-CGRP antagonist antibody and polypeptides, and polynucleotidesencoding the antibodies and polypeptides of the present invention may beused for treating, preventing, ameliorating, controlling, or reducingincidence of diseases associated with abnormal function of CGRP, such asheadache (e.g., migraine, cluster headache, chronic headache, andtension headache) and other conditions that may be treated or preventedby antagonizing CGRP activity.

In another aspect, the invention provides kits and compositionscomprising any one or more of the compositions described herein. Thesekits, generally in suitable packaging and provided with appropriateinstructions, are useful for any of the methods described herein.

In one aspect, the invention provides a composition for use inaccordance with any of the methods described herein.

In one aspect, the invention provides a composition for use in treatingor reducing incidence of at least one vasomotor symptom and/or headachein a subject. In one embodiment, the use comprises administering to thesubject on a plurality of days an amount of monoclonal antibody (e.g.,monoclonal anti-CGRP-antagonist antibody) that modulates the CGRPpathway, wherein the amount administered on each of the plurality ofdays is less than 1000 mg. In one embodiment, the use comprisesadministering to the subject on a plurality of days an amount ofmonoclonal antibody (e.g., monoclonal anti-CGRP-antagonist antibody)that modulates the CGRP pathway, wherein the amount administered on eachof the plurality of days is between 100-2000 mg. In some embodiments,the headache is migraine headache (e.g. chronic migraine headache orepisodic migraine headache). In some embodiments, two of the pluralityof days are more than seven days apart. In some embodiments, theincidence of headache is reduced for at least seven days after a singleadministration. In some embodiments, the amount of the monoclonalantibody administered on a first day is different than (e.g. more than)the amount of the monoclonal antibody administered on a second day. Insome embodiments, the subject is administered less than 3 doses permonth. In some embodiments, the administering is subcutaneousadministration. In some embodiments, the administering is intravenousadministration. In some embodiments, the administering comprisesutilizing a pre-filled syringe comprising the amount of the monoclonalantibody. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody is formulated ata concentration of 150 mg/mL. In some embodiments, the monoclonalantibody is administered in a volume of less than 2 mL. In someembodiments, the amount of monoclonal antibody is less than 1000 mg. Insome embodiments, monthly headache hours experienced by the subjectafter said administering is reduced by 40 or more hours (e.g. 45, 50,55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, or more) from a pre-administration level in thesubject. Monthly headache hours may be reduced by more than 60 hours. Insome embodiments, monthly headache hours experienced by the subjectafter said administering are reduced by 25% or more (e.g. 30%, 35%, 40%,45%, 50%, or more) relative to a pre-administration level in thesubject. Monthly headache hours may be reduced by 40% or more. In someembodiments, monthly headache days experienced by the subject after saidadministering is reduced by 3 or more days (e.g. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or more days) from apre-administration level in the subject. In some embodiments, the usefurther comprises administering to the subject a second agentsimultaneously or sequentially with the monoclonal antibody. The secondagent can be any of 5-HT1 agonists, triptans, ergot alkaloids, andnon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In some embodiments, the secondagent is an agent taken by the subject prophylactically. In someembodiments, monthly use of the second agent by the subject is decreasedby at least 15% after administering the monoclonal antibody. In someembodiments, the second agent is a triptan. In some embodiments, thesubject is a human. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody is ahuman or humanized monoclonal antibody. In some embodiments, themonoclonal antibody comprises (a) an antibody having a CDR H1 as setforth in SEQ ID NO: 3; a CDR H2 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4; a CDR H3as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 5; a CDR L1 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6; aCDR L2 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7; and a CDR L3 as set forth in SEQ IDNO: 8; or (b) a variant of an antibody according to (a) as shown inTable 6.

In one aspect, the invention provides a composition for use indecreasing a number of monthly headache hours experienced by a subject.In one embodiment, the use comprises administering to the subject anamount of a monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, whereinthe monoclonal antibody is in an amount effective to decrease the numberof monthly headache hours by at least 20 (e.g. 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50,55, 60, 65, 70 or more headache hours) after a single dose. In someembodiments, the number of monthly headache hours is reduced by at leastabout 50 hours. In one embodiment, the use comprises administering tothe subject an amount of a monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRPpathway, wherein the monoclonal antibody is in an amount effective todecrease the number of monthly headache hours by at least 15% (e.g. 20%,25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, or more) after a single dose. In some embodiments,the number of monthly headache hours is reduced by at least about 30%.In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody is an anti-CGRP antagonistantibody. In some embodiments, the amount of the monoclonal antibody isless than 1000 mg. In some embodiments, the subject is administeredfewer than 3 doses per month. In some embodiments, the administering issubcutaneous or intravenous administration. In some embodiments, themonoclonal antibody is formulated at a concentration of at least 150mg/mL. In some embodiments, wherein the monoclonal antibody isadministered in a volume of less than 2 mL. In some embodiments, thesubject is human. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody is humanor humanized. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody comprises (a)an antibody having a CDR H1 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3; a CDR H2 asset forth in SEQ ID NO: 4; a CDR H3 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 5; a CDRL1 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6; a CDR L2 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7;and a CDR L3 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8; or (b) a variant of anantibody according to (a) as shown in Table 6.

In one aspect, the invention provides a composition for use indecreasing a number of monthly headache days experienced by a subject.In one embodiment, the use comprises administering to the subject anamount of a monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, whereinthe monoclonal antibody is in an amount effective to decrease the numberof monthly headache days by at least 3 (e.g. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or more headache days) after asingle dose. In some embodiments, the number of monthly headache days isreduced by at least about 6 headache days. In some embodiments, themonoclonal antibody is an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody. In someembodiments, the amount of the monoclonal antibody is less than 1000 mg.In some embodiments, the subject is administered fewer than 3 doses permonth. In some embodiments, the administering is subcutaneous orintravenous administration. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibodyis formulated at a concentration of at least 150 mg/mL. In someembodiments, wherein the monoclonal antibody is administered in a volumeof less than 2 mL. In some embodiments, the subject is human. In someembodiments, the monoclonal antibody is human or humanized. In someembodiments, the monoclonal antibody comprises (a) an antibody having aCDR H1 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3; a CDR H2 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:4; a CDR H3 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 5; a CDR L1 as set forth in SEQID NO: 6; a CDR L2 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7; and a CDR L3 as setforth in SEQ ID NO: 8; or (b) a variant of an antibody according to (a)as shown in Table 6.

In one aspect, the invention provides a composition for use indecreasing use of an anti-headache medication in a subject, comprisingadministering to the subject a monoclonal antibody (e.g., anti-CGRPantagonist antibody) that modulates the CGRP pathway, wherein themonoclonal antibody is in an amount effective to decrease monthly use ofthe anti-headache medication by the subject by at least 15% (e.g. 20%,25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, or more). In some embodiments, the anti-headachemedication is selected from the group consisting of 5-HT1 agonists,triptans, opiates, β-adrenergic antagonists, ergot alkaloids, andnon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In some embodiments, theanti-headache medication is a triptan. In some embodiments, the amountof the monoclonal antibody is less than 1000 mg. In some embodiments,the subject is administered fewer than 3 doses per month. In someembodiments, the administering is subcutaneous or intravenousadministration. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody isformulated at a concentration of at least 150 mg/mL. In someembodiments, wherein the monoclonal antibody is administered in a volumeof less than 2 mL. In some embodiments, the subject is human. In someembodiments, the monoclonal antibody is human or humanized. In someembodiments, the monoclonal antibody comprises (a) an antibody having aCDR H1 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3; a CDR H2 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:4; a CDR H3 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 5; a CDR L1 as set forth in SEQID NO: 6; a CDR L2 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7; and a CDR L3 as setforth in SEQ ID NO: 8; or (b) a variant of an antibody according to (a)as shown in Table 6.

In one aspect, the invention provides a composition for use in oftreating or reducing incidence of headache (e.g., migraine headache) ina subject comprising administering to the subject a single dose of amonoclonal antibody (e.g., monoclonal anti-CGRP-antagonist antibody) inan amount that modulates the CGRP pathway, wherein the amount of themonoclonal antibody is between 100-2000 mg.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a table showing binding affinities of 12 murine antibodies fordifferent alanine substituted human α-CGRP fragments. Binding affinitieswere measured at 25° C. using Biacore by flowing Fabs across CGRPs onthe chip. The boxed values represent the loss in affinity of alaninemutants relative to parental fragment, 25-37 (italic), except K35A,which was derived from a 19-37 parent. ^(“a”) indicates affinities for19-37 and 25-37 fragments are the mean average±standard deviation of twoindependent measurements on different sensor chips. ^(“b”) indicatesthese interactions deviated from a simple bimolecular interaction modeldue to a biphasic offrate, so their affinities were determined using aconformational change model. Grey-scale key: white (1.0) indicatesparental affinity; light grey (less than 0.5) indicates higher affinitythan parent; dark grey (more than 2) indicates lower affinity thanparent; and black indicates that no binding was detected.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show the effect of administering CGRP 8-37 (400nmol/kg), antibody 4901 (25 mg/kg), and antibody 7D11 (25 mg/kg) on skinblood flow measured as blood cell flux after electrical pulsestimulation for 30 seconds. CGRP 8-37 was administered intravenously(iv) 3-5 min before electrical pulse stimulation. Antibodies wereadministered intraperitoneal (IP) 72 hours before electrical pulsestimulation. Each point in the graphs represents AUC of one rat treatedunder the conditions as indicated. Each line in the graphs representsaverage AUC of rats treated under the condition as indicated. AUC (areaunder the curve) equals to Δflux×Δtime. “Δflux” represents the change offlux units after the electrical pulse stimulation; and “Δtime”represents the time period taken for the blood cell flux level to returnto the level before the electrical pulse stimulation.

FIG. 3 shows the effect of administering different dosage of antibody4901 (25 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg, 2.5 mg/kg, or 1 mg/kg) on skin blood flowmeasured as blood cell flux after electrical pulse stimulation for 30seconds. Antibodies were administered intravenously (IV) 24 hours beforeelectrical pulse stimulation. Each point in the graph represents AUC ofone rat treated under the conditions as indicated. The line in the graphrepresents average AUC of rats treated under the condition as indicated.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show the effect of administering antibody 4901 (1 mg/kgor 10 mg/kg, i.v.), antibody 7E9 (10 mg/kg, i.v.), and antibody 8B6 (10mg/kg, i.v.) on skin blood flow measured as blood cell flux afterelectrical pulse stimulation for 30 seconds. Antibodies wereadministered intravenously (i.v.) followed by electrical pulsestimulation at 30 min, 60 min, 90 min, and 120 min after antibodyadministration. Y axis represents percent of AUC as compared to level ofAUC when no antibody was administered (time 0). X axis represents time(minutes) period between the administration of antibodies and electricalpulse stimulation. “*” indicates P<0.05, and “**” indicates P<0.01, ascompared to time 0. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with aDunnett's Multiple comparison test.

FIG. 5 shows the amino acid sequence of the heavy chain variable region(SEQ ID NO:1) and light chain variable region (SEQ ID NO:2) of antibodyG1. The Kabat CDRs are in bold text, and the Chothia CDRs areunderlined. The amino acid residues for the heavy chain and light chainvariable region are numbered sequentially.

FIG. 6 shows epitope mapping of antibody G1 by peptide competition usingBiacore. N-biotinylated human α-CGRP was captured on SA sensor chip. G1Fab (50 nM) in the absence of a competing peptide or pre-incubated for 1h with 10 uM of a competing peptide was flowed onto the chip. Binding ofG1 Fab to the human α-CGRP on the chip was measured. Y axis representspercentage of binding blocked by the presence of the competing peptidecompared with the binding in the absence of the competing peptide.

FIG. 7 shows the effect of administering antibody G1 (1 mg/kg or 10mg/kg, i.v.) or vehicle (PBS, 0.01% Tween 20) on skin blood flowmeasured as blood cell flux after electrical pulse stimulation for 30seconds. Antibody G1 or vehicle was administered intravenously (i.v.)followed by nerve electrical pulse stimulation at 30 min, 60 min, 90min, and 120 min after antibody administration. Y axis representspercent of AUC as compared to level of AUC when no antibody or vehicle(defined as 100%) was administered (time 0). X axis represents time(minutes) period between the administration of antibodies and electricalpulse stimulation. “*” indicates P<0.05, and “**” indicates P<0.01, ascompared to vehicle. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA andBonferroni post tests.

FIG. 8A shows the effect of administering antibody G1 (1 mg/kg, 3 mg/kgor 10 mg/kg, i.v.) or vehicle (PBS, 0.01% Tween 20) on skin blood flowmeasured as blood cell flux after electrical pulse stimulation for 30seconds 24 hours after dosing. Antibody G1 or vehicle was administeredintravenously (i.v.) 24 hours before nerve electrical pulse stimulation.Y axis represents total area under curve (change in blood cell fluxmultiplied by the change in time from stimulation until flux returns tobaseline, AUC). X axis represents varying doses of antibody G1. “*”indicates P<0.05, and “**” indicates P<0.01, as compared to vehicle.Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Dunn's multiple comparisontest.

FIG. 8B shows the effect of administering antibody G1 (0.3 mg/kg, 1mg/kg, 3 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg, i.v.) or vehicle (PBS, 0.01% Tween 20) onskin blood flow measured as blood cell flux after electrical pulsestimulation for 30 seconds 7 days after dosing. Antibody G1 or vehiclewas administered intravenously (i.v.) 7 days before nerve electricalpulse stimulation. Y axis represents total AUC. X axis representsvarying doses of antibody G1. “**” indicates P<0.01, and “***” indicatesP<0.001, as compared to vehicle. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVAand Dunn's multiple comparison test.

FIG. 8C is a curve fit analysis of the data from FIGS. 8A and 8B.Antibody G1 or vehicle was administered intravenously (i.v.) either 24hours or 7 days before nerve electrical pulse stimulation. Y axisrepresents total AUC. X axis represents varying doses of antibody G1 in“mg/kg” on a logarithmic scale to determine EC₅₀.

FIG. 9 shows the effect of antibody mu7E9 (10 mg/kg), BIBN4096BS orvehicle (PBS, 0.01% Tween 20) on the change in diameter of the middlemeningeal artery after electrical field stimulation. Antibody mu7E9,BIBN4096BS or vehicle were administered intravenously (i.v.) at timepoint 0 minutes after a baseline response to electrical stimulation wasestablished. Y axis represents change in diameter of the middlemeningeal artery after electrical field stimulation. Resting diametercorresponds to 0%. X axis represents time (minutes) of electrical pulsestimulation. “*” indicates P<0.05, and “**” indicates P<0.01, ascompared to vehicle. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Dunett'smultiple comparison test.

FIG. 10 shows the effect of varying doses of antibody G1 (1 mg/kg, 3mg/kg or 10 mg/kg, i.v.) or vehicle (PBS, 0.01% Tween 20) on the changein diameter of the middle meningeal artery after electrical fieldstimulation. Antibody G1 or vehicle was administered intravenously(i.v.) 7 days before electrical field stimulation. Y axis representschange in diameter of the middle meningeal artery. Resting diametercorresponds to 0%. X axis represents stimulation voltage. “*” indicatesP<0.05, “**” indicates P<0.01, and “***” indicates P<0.001, as comparedto vehicle. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Bonferroniposttests.

FIG. 11A shows the effect of antibody mu4901 (10 mg/kg) or vehicle (PBS,0.01% Tween 20), administered intravenously (i.v.) 24 hours prior, onthe decrease in core temperature induced by subcutaneous injection ofnaloxone (1 mg/kg) in morphine addicted rats. The Y axis representstemperature difference from baseline. The X axis represents timemeasured from the point of naloxone injection.

FIG. 11B shows the effect of antibody mu4901 (10 mg/kg) or vehicle (PBS,0.01% Tween 20), administered intravenously (i.v.) 24 hours prior, onthe increase in tail surface temperature induced by subcutaneousinjection of naloxone (1 mg/kg) in morphine addicted rats. The Y axisrepresents temperature difference from baseline. The X axis representstime measured from the point of naloxone injection.

FIG. 12 is a graph illustrating results of a clinical study comparingthe effects of different doses of antibody G1 to placebo.

FIG. 13 is a graph illustrating results of a clinical study comparingthe effects of different doses of antibody G1 to placebo.

FIG. 14 is a graph illustrating results of a clinical study comparingthe effects of different doses of antibody G1 to placebo.

FIG. 15 is a graph illustrating results of a clinical study comparingthe effects of different doses of antibody G1 to placebo.

FIG. 16 is a graph illustrating results of a clinical study comparingthe effects of different doses of antibody G1 to placebo.

FIG. 17 is a graph illustrating results of a clinical study comparingthe effects of different doses of antibody G1 to placebo.

FIG. 18 is a graph illustrating results of a clinical study comparingthe effects of different doses of antibody G1 to placebo.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In some aspects, the invention disclosed herein provides methods fortreating and/or preventing vasomotor symptoms (e.g., hot flush) in anindividual by administering to the individual a therapeuticallyeffective amount of an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody.

In some aspects, the invention disclosed herein provides methods fortreating and/or preventing headache (e.g., migraine, cluster headache,chronic headache, and tension headache) in an individual byadministering to the individual a therapeutically effective amount of ananti-CGRP antagonist antibody. In some cases, the headache is a migraineheadache.

In some aspects, the invention disclosed herein also provides anti-CGRPantagonist antibodies and polypeptides derived from G1 or its variantsshown in Table 6. In some embodiments, the invention also providesmethods of making and using these antibodies and polypeptides.

Throughout this application various publications (including patents andpatent applications) are referenced. The disclosures of thesepublications in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference.

General Techniques

The practice of the various aspects of the present invention willemploy, unless otherwise indicated, conventional techniques of molecularbiology (including recombinant techniques), microbiology, cell biology,biochemistry and immunology, which are within the skill of the art. Suchtechniques are explained fully in the literature, such as, MolecularCloning: A Laboratory Manual, second edition (Sambrook et al., 1989)Cold Spring Harbor Press; Oligonucleotide Synthesis (M. J. Gait, ed.,1984); Methods in Molecular Biology, Humana Press; Cell Biology: ALaboratory Notebook (J. E. Cellis, ed., 1998) Academic Press; AnimalCell Culture (R. I. Freshney, ed., 1987); Introduction to Cell andTissue Culture (J. P. Mather and P. E. Roberts, 1998) Plenum Press; Celland Tissue Culture: Laboratory Procedures (A. Doyle, J. B. Griffiths,and D. G. Newell, eds., 1993-1998) J. Wiley and Sons; Methods inEnzymology (Academic Press, Inc.); Handbook of Experimental Immunology(D. M. Weir and C. C. Blackwell, eds.); Gene Transfer Vectors forMammalian Cells (J. M. Miller and M. P. Calos, eds., 1987); CurrentProtocols in Molecular Biology (F. M. Ausubel et al., eds., 1987); PCR:The Polymerase Chain Reaction, (Mullis et al., eds., 1994); CurrentProtocols in Immunology (J. E. Coligan et al., eds., 1991); ShortProtocols in Molecular Biology (Wiley and Sons, 1999); Immunobiology (C.A. Janeway and P. Travers, 1997); Antibodies (P. Finch, 1997);Antibodies: a practical approach (D. Catty., ed., IRL Press, 1988-1989);Monoclonal antibodies: a practical approach (P. Shepherd and C. Dean,eds., Oxford University Press, 2000); Using antibodies: a laboratorymanual (E. Harlow and D. Lane (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press,1999); The Antibodies (M. Zanetti and J. D. Capra, eds., HarwoodAcademic Publishers, 1995).

Definitions

An “antibody” is an immunoglobulin molecule capable of specific bindingto a target, such as a carbohydrate, polynucleotide, lipid, polypeptide,etc., through at least one antigen recognition site, located in thevariable region of the immunoglobulin molecule. As used herein, the termencompasses not only intact polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies, butalso fragments thereof (such as Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)2, Fv), single chain(ScFv), mutants thereof, fusion proteins comprising an antibody portion(such as domain antibodies), and any other modified configuration of theimmunoglobulin molecule that comprises an antigen recognition site. Anantibody includes an antibody of any class, such as IgG, IgA, or IgM (orsub-class thereof), and the antibody need not be of any particularclass. Depending on the antibody amino acid sequence of the constantdomain of its heavy chains, immunoglobulins can be assigned to differentclasses. There are five major classes of immunoglobulins: IgA, IgD, IgE,IgG, and IgM, and several of these may be further divided intosubclasses (isotypes), e.g., IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgA1 and IgA2. Theheavy-chain constant domains that correspond to the different classes ofimmunoglobulins are called alpha, delta, epsilon, gamma, and mu,respectively. The subunit structures and three-dimensionalconfigurations of different classes of immunoglobulins are well known.

As used herein, “monoclonal antibody” refers to an antibody obtainedfrom a population of substantially homogeneous antibodies, i.e., theindividual antibodies comprising the population are identical except forpossible naturally-occurring mutations that may be present in minoramounts. Monoclonal antibodies are highly specific, being directedagainst a single antigenic site. Furthermore, in contrast to polyclonalantibody preparations, which typically include different antibodiesdirected against different determinants (epitopes), each monoclonalantibody is directed against a single determinant on the antigen. Themodifier “monoclonal” indicates the character of the antibody as beingobtained from a substantially homogeneous population of antibodies, andis not to be construed as requiring production of the antibody by anyparticular method. For example, the monoclonal antibodies to be used inaccordance with the present invention may be made by the hybridomamethod first described by Kohler and Milstein, 1975, Nature, 256:495, ormay be made by recombinant DNA methods such as described in U.S. Pat.No. 4,816,567. The monoclonal antibodies may also be isolated from phagelibraries generated using the techniques described in McCafferty et al.,1990, Nature, 348:552-554, for example.

As used herein, “humanized” antibodies refer to forms of non-human (e.g.murine) antibodies that are specific chimeric immunoglobulins,immunoglobulin chains, or fragments thereof (such as Fv, Fab, Fab′,F(ab′)2 or other antigen-binding subsequences of antibodies) thatcontain minimal sequence derived from non-human immunoglobulin. For themost part, humanized antibodies are human immunoglobulins (recipientantibody) in which residues from a complementarity determining region(CDR) of the recipient are replaced by residues from a CDR of anon-human species (donor antibody) such as mouse, rat, or rabbit havingthe desired specificity, affinity, and, biological activity. In someinstances, Fv framework region (FR) residues of the human immunoglobulinare replaced by corresponding non-human residues. Furthermore, thehumanized antibody may comprise residues that are found neither in therecipient antibody nor in the imported CDR or framework sequences, butare included to further refine and optimize antibody performance. Ingeneral, the humanized antibody will comprise substantially all of atleast one, and typically two, variable domains, in which all orsubstantially all of the CDR regions correspond to those of a non-humanimmunoglobulin and all or substantially all of the FR regions are thoseof a human immunoglobulin consensus sequence. The humanized antibodyoptimally also will comprise at least a portion of an immunoglobulinconstant region or domain (Fc), typically that of a humanimmunoglobulin. Antibodies may have Fc regions modified as described inWO 99/58572. Other forms of humanized antibodies have one or more CDRs(one, two, three, four, five, six) which are altered with respect to theoriginal antibody, which are also termed one or more CDRs “derived from”one or more CDRs from the original antibody.

As used herein, “human antibody” means an antibody having an amino acidsequence corresponding to that of an antibody produced by a human and/orhas been made using any of the techniques for making human antibodiesknown in the art or disclosed herein. This definition of a humanantibody includes antibodies comprising at least one human heavy chainpolypeptide or at least one human light chain polypeptide. One suchexample is an antibody comprising murine light chain and human heavychain polypeptides. Human antibodies can be produced using varioustechniques known in the art. In one embodiment, the human antibody isselected from a phage library, where that phage library expresses humanantibodies (Vaughan et al., 1996, Nature Biotechnology, 14:309-314;Sheets et al., 1998, PNAS, (USA) 95:6157-6162; Hoogenboom and Winter,1991, J. Mol. Biol., 227:381; Marks et al., 1991, J. Mol. Biol.,222:581). Human antibodies can also be made by introducing humanimmunoglobulin loci into transgenic animals, e.g., mice in which theendogenous immunoglobulin genes have been partially or completelyinactivated. This approach is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,545,807;5,545,806; 5,569,825; 5,625,126; 5,633,425; and 5,661,016.Alternatively, the human antibody may be prepared by immortalizing humanB lymphocytes that produce an antibody directed against a target antigen(such B lymphocytes may be recovered from an individual or may have beenimmunized in vitro). See, e.g., Cole et al., Monoclonal Antibodies andCancer Therapy, Alan R. Liss, p. 77 (1985); Boerner et al., 1991, J.Immunol., 147 (1):86-95; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,750,373.

As used herein, the term “calcitonin gene-related peptide” and “CGRP”refers to any form of calcitonin gene-related peptide and variantsthereof that retain at least part of the activity of CGRP. For example,CGRP may be α-CGRP or β-CGRP. As used herein, CGRP includes allmammalian species of native sequence CGRP, e.g., human, canine, feline,equine, and bovine.

As used herein, an “anti-CGRP antagonist antibody” (interchangeablytermed “anti-CGRP antibody”) refers to an antibody that is able to bindto CGRP and inhibit CGRP biological activity and/or downstreampathway(s) mediated by CGRP signaling. An anti-CGRP antagonist antibodyencompasses antibodies that modulate, block, antagonize, suppress orreduce (including significantly) CGRP biological activity, or otherwiseantagonize the CGRP pathway, including downstream pathways mediated byCGRP signaling, such as receptor binding and/or elicitation of acellular response to CGRP. For purpose of the present invention, it willbe explicitly understood that the term “anti-CGRP antagonist antibody”encompasses all the previously identified terms, titles, and functionalstates and characteristics whereby CGRP itself, CGRP biological activity(including but not limited to its ability to mediate any aspect ofheadache), or the consequences of the biological activity, aresubstantially nullified, decreased, or neutralized in any meaningfuldegree. In some embodiments, an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody binds CGRPand prevents CGRP binding to a CGRP receptor. In other embodiments, ananti-CGRP antibody binds CGRP and prevents activation of a CGRPreceptor. Examples of anti-CGRP antagonist antibodies are providedherein.

As used herein, the terms “G1” and “antibody G1” are usedinterchangeably to refer to an antibody produced by expression vectorshaving deposit numbers of ATCC PTA-6867 and ATCC PTA-6866. The aminoacid sequence of the heavy chain and light chain variable regions areshown in FIG. 5. The CDR portions of antibody G1 (including Chothia andKabat CDRs) are diagrammatically depicted in FIG. 5. The polynucleotidesencoding the heavy and light chain variable regions are shown in SEQ IDNO:9 and SEQ ID NO:10. The characterization of G1 is described in theExamples.

The terms “polypeptide”, “oligopeptide”, “peptide” and “protein” areused interchangeably herein to refer to polymers of amino acids of anylength. The polymer may be linear or branched, it may comprise modifiedamino acids, and it may be interrupted by non-amino acids. The termsalso encompass an amino acid polymer that has been modified naturally orby intervention; for example, disulfide bond formation, glycosylation,lipidation, acetylation, phosphorylation, or any other manipulation ormodification, such as conjugation with a labeling component. Alsoincluded within the definition are, for example, polypeptides containingone or more analogs of an amino acid (including, for example, unnaturalamino acids, etc.), as well as other modifications known in the art. Itis understood that, because the polypeptides of this invention are basedupon an antibody, the polypeptides can occur as single chains orassociated chains.

“Polynucleotide,” or “nucleic acid,” as used interchangeably herein,refer to polymers of nucleotides of any length, and include DNA and RNA.The nucleotides can be deoxyribonucleotides, ribonucleotides, modifiednucleotides or bases, and/or their analogs, or any substrate that can beincorporated into a polymer by DNA or RNA polymerase. A polynucleotidemay comprise modified nucleotides, such as methylated nucleotides andtheir analogs. If present, modification to the nucleotide structure maybe imparted before or after assembly of the polymer. The sequence ofnucleotides may be interrupted by non-nucleotide components. Apolynucleotide may be further modified after polymerization, such as byconjugation with a labeling component. Other types of modificationsinclude, for example, “caps”, substitution of one or more of thenaturally occurring nucleotides with an analog, internucleotidemodifications such as, for example, those with uncharged linkages (e.g.,methyl phosphonates, phosphotriesters, phosphoamidates, carbamates,etc.) and with charged linkages (e.g., phosphorothioates,phosphorodithioates, etc.), those containing pendant moieties, such as,for example, proteins (e.g., nucleases, toxins, antibodies, signalpeptides, ply-L-lysine, etc.), those with intercalators (e.g., acridine,psoralen, etc.), those containing chelators (e.g., metals, radioactivemetals, boron, oxidative metals, etc.), those containing alkylators,those with modified linkages (e.g., alpha anomeric nucleic acids, etc.),as well as unmodified forms of the polynucleotide(s). Further, any ofthe hydroxyl groups ordinarily present in the sugars may be replaced,for example, by phosphonate groups, phosphate groups, protected bystandard protecting groups, or activated to prepare additional linkagesto additional nucleotides, or may be conjugated to solid supports. The5′ and 3′ terminal OH can be phosphorylated or substituted with aminesor organic capping group moieties of from 1 to 20 carbon atoms. Otherhydroxyls may also be derivatized to standard protecting groups.Polynucleotides can also contain analogous forms of ribose ordeoxyribose sugars that are generally known in the art, including, forexample, 2′-O-methyl-, 2′-O-allyl, 2′-fluoro- or 2′-azido-ribose,carbocyclic sugar analogs, α-anomeric sugars, epimeric sugars such asarabinose, xyloses or lyxoses, pyranose sugars, furanose sugars,sedoheptuloses, acyclic analogs and abasic nucleoside analogs such asmethyl riboside. One or more phosphodiester linkages may be replaced byalternative linking groups. These alternative linking groups include,but are not limited to, embodiments wherein phosphate is replaced byP(O)S(“thioate”), P(S)S (“dithioate”), (O)NR₂ (“amidate”), P(O)R,P(O)OR′, CO or CH₂ (“formacetal”), in which each R or R′ isindependently H or substituted or unsubstituted alkyl (1-20 C)optionally containing an ether (—O—) linkage, aryl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl,cycloalkenyl or araldyl. Not all linkages in a polynucleotide need beidentical. The preceding description applies to all polynucleotidesreferred to herein, including RNA and DNA.

A “variable region” of an antibody refers to the variable region of theantibody light chain or the variable region of the antibody heavy chain,either alone or in combination. The variable regions of the heavy andlight chain each consist of four framework regions (FR) connected bythree complementarity determining regions (CDRs) also known ashypervariable regions. The CDRs in each chain are held together in closeproximity by the FRs and, with the CDRs from the other chain, contributeto the formation of the antigen-binding site of antibodies. There are atleast two techniques for determining CDRs: (1) an approach based oncross-species sequence variability (i.e., Kabat et al. Sequences ofProteins of Immunological Interest, (5th ed., 1991, National Institutesof Health, Bethesda Md.)); and (2) an approach based on crystallographicstudies of antigen-antibody complexes (Al-lazikani et al (1997) J.Molec. Biol. 273:927-948)). As used herein, a CDR may refer to CDRsdefined by either approach or by a combination of both approaches.

A “constant region” of an antibody refers to the constant region of theantibody light chain or the constant region of the antibody heavy chain,either alone or in combination.

An epitope that “preferentially binds” or “specifically binds” (usedinterchangeably herein) to an antibody or a polypeptide is a term wellunderstood in the art, and methods to determine such specific orpreferential binding are also well known in the art. A molecule is saidto exhibit “specific binding” or “preferential binding” if it reacts orassociates more frequently, more rapidly, with greater duration and/orwith greater affinity with a particular cell or substance than it doeswith alternative cells or substances. An antibody “specifically binds”or “preferentially binds” to a target if it binds with greater affinity,avidity, more readily, and/or with greater duration than it binds toother substances. For example, an antibody that specifically orpreferentially binds to a CGRP epitope is an antibody that binds thisepitope with greater affinity, avidity, more readily, and/or withgreater duration than it binds to other CGRP epitopes or non-CGRPepitopes. It is also understood by reading this definition that, forexample, an antibody (or moiety or epitope) that specifically orpreferentially binds to a first target may or may not specifically orpreferentially bind to a second target. As such, “specific binding” or“preferential binding” does not necessarily require (although it caninclude) exclusive binding. Generally, but not necessarily, reference tobinding means preferential binding.

As used herein, “substantially pure” refers to material which is atleast 50% pure (i.e., free from contaminants), more preferably at least90% pure, more preferably at least 95% pure, more preferably at least98% pure, more preferably at least 99% pure.

A “host cell” includes an individual cell or cell culture that can be orhas been a recipient for vector(s) for incorporation of polynucleotideinserts. Host cells include progeny of a single host cell, and theprogeny may not necessarily be completely identical (in morphology or ingenomic DNA complement) to the original parent cell due to natural,accidental, or deliberate mutation. A host cell includes cellstransfected in vivo with a polynucleotide(s) of this invention.

The term “Fc region” is used to define a C-terminal region of animmunoglobulin heavy chain. The “Fc region” may be a native sequence Fcregion or a variant Fc region. Although the boundaries of the Fc regionof an immunoglobulin heavy chain might vary, the human IgG heavy chainFc region is usually defined to stretch from an amino acid residue atposition Cys226, or from Pro230, to the carboxyl-terminus thereof. Thenumbering of the residues in the Fc region is that of the EU index as inKabat. Kabat et al., Sequences of Proteins of Imunological Interest, 5thEd. Public Health Service, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md.,1991. The Fc region of an immunoglobulin generally comprises twoconstant domains, CH2 and CH3.

As used herein, “Fc receptor” and “FcR” describe a receptor that bindsto the Fc region of an antibody. The preferred FcR is a native sequencehuman FcR. Moreover, a preferred FcR is one which binds an IgG antibody(a gamma receptor) and includes receptors of the FcγRI, FcγRII, andFcγRIII subclasses, including allelic variants and alternatively splicedforms of these receptors. FcγRII receptors include FcγRIIA (an“activating receptor”) and FcγRIIB (an “inhibiting receptor”), whichhave similar amino acid sequences that differ primarily in thecytoplasmic domains thereof. FcRs are reviewed in Ravetch and Kinet,1991, Ann. Rev. Immunol., 9:457-92; Capel et al., 1994, Immunomethods,4:25-34; and de Haas et al., 1995, J. Lab. Clin. Med., 126:330-41. “FcR”also includes the neonatal receptor, FcRn, which is responsible for thetransfer of maternal IgGs to the fetus (Guyer et al., 1976, J. Immunol.,117:587; and Kim et al., 1994, J. Immunol., 24:249).

“Complement dependent cytotoxicity” and “CDC” refer to the lysing of atarget in the presence of complement. The complement activation pathwayis initiated by the binding of the first component of the complementsystem (Clq) to a molecule (e.g. an antibody) complexed with a cognateantigen. To assess complement activation, a CDC assay, e.g. as describedin Gazzano-Santoro et al., J. Immunol. Methods, 202:163 (1996), may beperformed.

A “functional Fc region” possesses at least one effector function of anative sequence Fc region. Exemplary “effector functions” include Clqbinding; complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC); Fc receptor binding;antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC); phagocytosis;down-regulation of cell surface receptors (e.g. B cell receptor; BCR),etc. Such effector functions generally require the Fc region to becombined with a binding domain (e.g. an antibody variable domain) andcan be assessed using various assays known in the art for evaluatingsuch antibody effector functions.

A “native sequence Fc region” comprises an amino acid sequence identicalto the amino acid sequence of an Fc region found in nature. A “variantFc region” comprises an amino acid sequence which differs from that of anative sequence Fc region by virtue of at least one amino acidmodification, yet retains at least one effector function of the nativesequence Fc region. Preferably, the variant Fc region has at least oneamino acid substitution compared to a native sequence Fc region or tothe Fc region of a parent polypeptide, e.g. from about one to about tenamino acid substitutions, and preferably from about one to about fiveamino acid substitutions in a native sequence Fc region or in the Fcregion of the parent polypeptide. The variant Fc region herein willpreferably possess at least about 80% sequence identity with a nativesequence Fc region and/or with an Fc region of a parent polypeptide, andmost preferably at least about 90% sequence identity therewith, morepreferably at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%,at least about 98%, at least about 99% sequence identity therewith.

As used herein “antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity” and“ADCC” refer to a cell-mediated reaction in which nonspecific cytotoxiccells that express Fc receptors (FcRs) (e.g. natural killer (NK) cells,neutrophils, and macrophages) recognize bound antibody on a target celland subsequently cause lysis of the target cell. ADCC activity of amolecule of interest can be assessed using an in vitro ADCC assay, suchas that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,362 or 5,821,337. Usefuleffector cells for such assays include peripheral blood mononuclearcells (PBMC) and NK cells. Alternatively, or additionally, ADCC activityof the molecule of interest may be assessed in vivo, e.g., in an animalmodel such as that disclosed in Clynes et al., 1998, PNAS (USA),95:652-656.

As used herein, “treatment” is an approach for obtaining beneficial ordesired clinical results. For purposes of this invention, beneficial ordesired clinical results include, but are not limited to, one or more ofthe following: improvement in any aspect of a headache includinglessening severity, alleviation of pain intensity, and other associatedsymptoms, reducing frequency of recurrence, increasing the quality oflife of those suffering from the headache, and decreasing dose of othermedications required to treat the headache. For migraine, otherassociated symptoms include, but are not limited to, nausea, vomiting,and sensitivity to light, sound, and/or movement. For cluster headache,other associated symptoms include, but are not limited to swelling underor around the eyes, excessive tears, red eye, Rhinorrhea or nasalcongestion, and red flushed face.

“Reducing incidence” of headache means any of reducing severity (whichcan include reducing need for and/or amount of (e.g., exposure to) otherdrugs and/or therapies generally used for this condition, including, forexample, ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, or triptans for migraine),duration, and/or frequency (including, for example, delaying orincreasing time to next episodic attack in an individual). As isunderstood by those skilled in the art, individuals may vary in terms oftheir response to treatment, and, as such, for example, a “method ofreducing incidence of headache in an individual” reflects administeringthe anti-CGRP antagonist antibody based on a reasonable expectation thatsuch administration may likely cause such a reduction in incidence inthat particular individual.

“Ameliorating” headache or one or more symptoms of headache means alessening or improvement of one or more symptoms of headache as comparedto not administering an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody. “Ameliorating”also includes shortening or reduction in duration of a symptom.

As used herein, “controlling headache” refers to maintaining or reducingseverity or duration of one or more symptoms of headache or frequency ofheadache attacks in an individual (as compared to the level beforetreatment). For example, the duration or severity of head pain, orfrequency of attacks is reduced by at least about any of 10%, 20%, 30%,40%, 50%, 60%, or 70% in the individual as compared to the level beforetreatment.

As used herein, a “headache hour” refers to an hour during which asubject experiences headache. Headache hours can be expressed in termsof whole hours (e.g., one headache hour, two headache hours, threeheadache hours, etc.) or in terms of whole and partial hours (e.g., 0.5headache hours, 1.2 headache hours, 2.67 headache hours, etc.). One ormore headache hours may be described with respect to a particular timeinterval. For example, “daily headache hours” may refer to the number ofheadache hours a subject experiences within a day interval (e.g., a24-hour period). In another example, “weekly headache hours” may referto the number of headache hours a subject experiences within a weekinterval (e.g., a 7-day period). As can be appreciated, a week intervalmay or may not correspond to a calendar week. In another example,“monthly headache hours” may refer to the number of headache hours asubject experiences within a month interval. As can be appreciated, amonth interval (e.g., a period of 28-31 days) may vary in terms ofnumber of days depending upon the particular month and may or may notcorrespond to a calendar month. In yet another example, “yearly headachehours” may refer to the number of headache hours a subject experienceswithin a year interval. As can be appreciated, a year interval (e.g., aperiod of 365 or 366 days) may vary in terms of number of days dependingupon the particular year and may or may not correspond to a calendaryear. In some embodiments, a headache hour may with reference to aparticular type of headache (e.g., migraine, cluster headache, chronicheadache, and tension headache). For example a “migraine hour” may referto an hour during which a subject experiences migraine.

As used herein, a “headache day” refers to a day during which a subjectexperiences headache. Headache days can be expressed in terms of wholedays (e.g., one headache day, two headache days, three headache days,etc.) or in terms of whole and partial days (e.g., 0.5 headache days,1.2 headache days, 2.67 headache days, etc.). One or more headache daysmay be described with respect to a particular time interval. Forexample, “weekly headache days” may refer to the number of headache daysa subject experiences within a week interval (e.g., a 7-day period). Ascan be appreciated, a week interval may or may not correspond to acalendar week. In another example, “monthly headache days” may refer tothe number of headache days a subject experiences within a monthinterval. As can be appreciated, a month interval (e.g., a period of28-31 days) may vary in terms of number of days depending upon theparticular month and may or may not correspond to a calendar month. Inyet another example, “yearly headache days” may refer to the number ofheadache days a subject experiences within a year interval. As can beappreciated, a year interval (e.g., a period of 365 or 366 days) mayvary in terms of number of days depending upon the particular year andmay or may not correspond to a calendar year. In some embodiments, aheadache day may be with reference to a particular type of headache(e.g., migraine, cluster headache, chronic headache, and tensionheadache). For example a “migraine day” may refer to a day during whicha subject experiences migraine.

As used therein, “delaying” the development of headache means to defer,hinder, slow, retard, stabilize, and/or postpone progression of thedisease. This delay can be of varying lengths of time, depending on thehistory of the disease and/or individuals being treated. As is evidentto one skilled in the art, a sufficient or significant delay can, ineffect, encompass prevention, in that the individual does not developheadache (e.g., migraine). A method that “delays” development of thesymptom is a method that reduces probability of developing the symptomin a given time frame and/or reduces extent of the symptoms in a giventime frame, when compared to not using the method. Such comparisons aretypically based on clinical studies, using a statistically significantnumber of subjects.

“Development” or “progression” of headache means initial manifestationsand/or ensuing progression of the disorder. Development of headache canbe detectable and assessed using standard clinical techniques as wellknown in the art. However, development also refers to progression thatmay be undetectable. For purpose of this disclosure, development orprogression refers to the biological course of the symptoms.“Development” includes occurrence, recurrence, and onset. As used herein“onset” or “occurrence” of headache includes initial onset and/orrecurrence.

As used herein, an “effective dosage” or “effective amount” of drug,compound, or pharmaceutical composition is an amount sufficient toeffect beneficial or desired results. For prophylactic use, beneficialor desired results include results such as eliminating or reducing therisk, lessening the severity, or delaying the onset of the disease,including biochemical, histological and/or behavioral symptoms of thedisease, its complications and intermediate pathological phenotypespresenting during development of the disease. For therapeutic use,beneficial or desired results include clinical results such as reducingpain intensity, duration, or frequency of headache attack, anddecreasing one or more symptoms resulting from headache (biochemical,histological and/or behavioral), including its complications andintermediate pathological phenotypes presenting during development ofthe disease, increasing the quality of life of those suffering from thedisease, decreasing the dose of other medications required to treat thedisease, enhancing effect of another medication, and/or delaying theprogression of the disease of patients. An effective dosage can beadministered in one or more administrations. For purposes of thisdisclosure, an effective dosage of drug, compound, or pharmaceuticalcomposition is an amount sufficient to accomplish prophylactic ortherapeutic treatment either directly or indirectly. As is understood inthe clinical context, an effective dosage of a drug, compound, orpharmaceutical composition may or may not be achieved in conjunctionwith another drug, compound, or pharmaceutical composition. Thus, an“effective dosage” may be considered in the context of administering oneor more therapeutic agents, and a single agent may be considered to begiven in an effective amount if, in conjunction with one or more otheragents, a desirable result may be or is achieved.

An “individual” or a “subject” is a mammal, more preferably a human.Mammals also include, but are not limited to, farm animals, sportanimals, pets, primates, horses, dogs, cats, mice and rats.

As used herein, “vector” means a construct, which is capable ofdelivering, and preferably expressing, one or more gene(s) orsequence(s) of interest in a host cell. Examples of vectors include, butare not limited to, viral vectors, naked DNA or RNA expression vectors,plasmid, cosmid or phage vectors, DNA or RNA expression vectorsassociated with cationic condensing agents, DNA or RNA expressionvectors encapsulated in liposomes, and certain eukaryotic cells, such asproducer cells.

As used herein, “expression control sequence” means a nucleic acidsequence that directs transcription of a nucleic acid. An expressioncontrol sequence can be a promoter, such as a constitutive or aninducible promoter, or an enhancer. The expression control sequence isoperably linked to the nucleic acid sequence to be transcribed.

As used herein, “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” or “pharmaceuticalacceptable excipient” includes any material which, when combined with anactive ingredient, allows the ingredient to retain biological activityand is non-reactive with the subject's immune system. Examples include,but are not limited to, any of the standard pharmaceutical carriers suchas a phosphate buffered saline solution, water, emulsions such asoil/water emulsion, and various types of wetting agents. Preferreddiluents for aerosol or parenteral administration are phosphate bufferedsaline or normal (0.9%) saline. Compositions comprising such carriersare formulated by well-known conventional methods (see, for example,Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18th edition, A. Gennaro, ed., MackPublishing Co., Easton, Pa., 1990; and Remington, The Science andPractice of Pharmacy 20th Ed. Mack Publishing, 2000).

The term “k_(on)”, as used herein, is intended to refer to the rateconstant for association of an antibody to an antigen.

The term “k_(off)”, as used herein, is intended to refer to the rateconstant for dissociation of an antibody from the antibody/antigencomplex.

The term “K_(D)”, as used herein, is intended to refer to theequilibrium dissociation constant of an antibody-antigen interaction.

As used herein, the term “vasomotor symptom,” is intended to refer toconditions related to vasodilation. Such vasodilation can be associatedor potentially associated with headache (such as migraine with orwithout aura; hemiplegic migraine; chronic migraine; episodic migraine;high frequency episodic migraine; cluster headaches; migrainousneuralgia; chronic headaches; tension headaches; headaches resultingfrom other medical conditions (such as infection or increased pressurein the skull due to a tumor); chronic paroxysmal hemicrania;miscellaneous headache unassociated with a structural lesion; headacheassociated with a non-vascular intracranial disorder; headacheassociated with the administration of a substance or its withdrawal;headache associated with noncephalic infection; headache associated witha metabolic disorder; headache associated with a disorder of thecranium, neck, eyes, ears, nose, sinuses, teeth, mouth or other facialor cranial structure; cranial neuralgias; and nerve trunk pain anddeafferentiation pain), hot flushing (or hot flashes), cold flashes,insomnia, sleep disturbances, mood disorders, irritability, excessiveperspiration, night sweats, day sweats, fatigue, and the like, causedby, inter alia, thermoregulatory dysfunction.

As used herein, the terms “flushing”, “hot flush” and “hot flash” areart-recognized terms that refer to an episodic disturbance in bodytemperature typically consisting of a sudden skin flushing, usuallyaccompanied by perspiration in a subject.

A. Methods for Preventing or Treating Vasomotor Symptoms and/or Headache

In one aspect, the invention provides a method of treating or reducingincidence of at least one vasomotor symptom in a subject. In anotheraspect, the invention provides a method of treating or reducingincidence of headache (e.g., migraine) in a subject. In someembodiments, the method comprises administering to the individual aneffective amount of an antibody or polypeptides derived from theantibody that modulates the CGRP pathway (e.g. a monoclonal anti-CGRPantagonist antibody). In some embodiments, the at least one vasomotorsymptom may be associated with headache (e.g., migraine) and/or hotflushes.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for ameliorating,controlling, reducing incidence of, or delaying the development orprogression of at least one vasomotor symptom in an individualcomprising administering to the individual an effective amount of ananti-CGRP antagonist antibody. In some embodiments, the at least onevasomotor symptom may be associated with headache (e.g., migraine)and/or hot flushes.

In another aspect, the invention provides methods for ameliorating,controlling, reducing incidence of, or delaying the development orprogression of headache (e.g., migraine) in an individual or symptomsassociated with headache (e.g., diarrhea or light sensitivity)comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of anantibody that modulates the CGRP pathway or an anti-CGRP antagonistantibody in combination with at least one additional agent useful fortreating headache.

Such additional agents include, but are not limited to, 5-HT agonistsand NSAIDs. For example, the antibody and the at least one additionalagent can be concomitantly administered, i.e., they can be given inclose enough temporal proximity to allow their individual therapeuticeffects to overlap. For example, the amount of 5-HT agonist or NSAIDadministered in combination with an anti-CGRP antibody should besufficient to reduce the frequency of headache relapse in patients orproduce longer lasting efficacy compared to the administration of eitherone of these agents in the absence of the other. This procedure may beused to treat headaches falling into any of a wide variety of classesincluding: migraine with or without aura; hemiplegic migraine; chronicmigraine; episodic migraine; high frequency episodic migraine; clusterheadaches; migrainous neuralgia; chronic headaches; tension headaches;headaches resulting from other medical conditions (such as infection orincreased pressure in the skull due to a tumor); chronic paroxysmalhemicrania; miscellaneous headache unassociated with a structurallesion; headache associated with a non-vascular intracranial disorder;headache associated with the administration of a substance or itswithdrawal; headache associated with noncephalic infection; headacheassociated with a metabolic disorder; headache associated with adisorder of the cranium, neck, eyes, ears, nose, sinuses, teeth, mouthor other facial or cranial structure; cranial neuralgias; and nervetrunk pain and deafferentiation pain.

Additional non-limiting examples of additional agents that may beadministered in combination with an anti-CGRP antagonist antibodyinclude one or more of:

(i) an opioid analgesic, e.g., morphine, heroin, hydromorphone,oxymorphone, levorphanol, levallorphan, methadone, meperidine, fentanyl,cocaine, codeine, dihydrocodeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, propoxyphene,nalmefene, nalorphine, naloxone, naltrexone, buprenorphine, butorphanol,nalbuphine or pentazocine;(ii) a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID), e.g., aspirin,diclofenac, diflusinal, etodolac, fenbufen, fenoprofen, flufenisal,flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, ketorolac,meclofenamic acid, mefenamic acid, nabumetone, naproxen, oxaprozin,phenylbutazone, piroxicam, sulindac, tolmetin or zomepirac,cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors, celecoxib; rofecoxib; meloxicam;JTE-522; L-745,337; NS398; or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof;(iii) a barbiturate sedative, e.g., amobarbital, aprobarbital,butabarbital, butabital, mephobarbital, metharbital, methohexital,pentobarbital, phenobartital, secobarbital, talbutal, theamylal orthiopental or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof;(iv) a barbiturate analgesic, e.g., butalbital or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof or a composition comprising butalbital.(v) a benzodiazepine having a sedative action, e.g., chlordiazepoxide,clorazepate, diazepam, flurazepam, lorazepam, oxazepam, temazepam ortriazolam or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof;(vi) an H₁ antagonist having a sedative action, e.g., diphenhydramine,pyrilamine, promethazine, chlorpheniramine or chlorcyclizine or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof;(vii) a sedative such as glutethimide, meprobamate, methaqualone ordichloralphenazone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof;(viii) a skeletal muscle relaxant, e.g., baclofen, carisoprodol,chlorzoxazone, cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol or orphrenadine or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof;(ix) an NMDA receptor antagonist, e.g., dextromethorphan((+)-3-hydroxy-N-methylmorphinan) or its metabolite dextrorphan((+)-3-hydroxy-N-methylmorphinan), ketamine, memantine, pyrroloquinolinequinone or cis-4-(phosphonomethyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylic acid or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof;(x) an alpha-adrenergic, e.g., doxazosin, tamsulosin, clonidine or4-amino-6,7-dimethoxy-2-(5-methanesulfonamido-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinol-2-yl)-5-(2-pyridyl)quinazoline;(xi) a tricyclic antidepressant, e.g., desipramine, imipramine,amytriptiline or nortriptiline;(xii) an anticonvulsant, e.g., carbamazepine or valproate;(xiii) a tachykinin (NK) antagonist, particularly an NK-3, NK-2 or NK-1antagonist, e.g.(αR,9R)-7-[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzyl]-8,9,10,11-tetrahydro-9-methyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)-7H-[1,4]diazocino[2,1-g][1,7]naphthridine-6-13-dione(TAK-637),5-[[(2R,3S)-2-[(1R)-1-[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]ethoxy-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-morpholinyl]methyl]-1,2-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one(MK-869), lanepitant, dapitant or3-[[2-methoxy-5-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]methylamino]-2-phenyl-piperidine(2S,3S);(xiv) a muscarinic antagonist, e.g., oxybutin, tolterodine, propiverine,tropsium chloride or darifenacin;(xv) a COX-2 inhibitor, e.g., celecoxib, rofecoxib or valdecoxib;(xvi) a non-selective COX inhibitor (preferably with GI protection),e.g, nitroflurbiprofen (HCT-1026);(xvii) a coal-tar analgesic, in particular paracetamol;(xviii) a neuroleptic such as droperidol;(xix) a vanilloid receptor agonist (e.g., resinferatoxin) or antagonist(e.g., capsazepine);(xix) a beta-adrenergic such as propranolol;(xxii) a local anaesthetic, such as mexiletine;(xxi) a corticosteriod, such as dexamethasone;(xxii) a serotonin receptor agonist or antagonist;(xxiii) a cholinergic (nicotinic) analgesic;(xxiv) Tramadol (trade mark);(xxv) a PDEV inhibitor, such as sildenafil, vardenafil or taladafil;(xxvi) an alpha-2-delta ligand such as gabapentin or pregabalin;(xxvii) a canabinoid; and(xxviii) an antidepressant, such as amitriptyline (Elavil), trazodone(Desyrel), and imipramine (Tofranil) or anticonvulsants such asphenytoin (Dilantin) or carbamazepine (Tegretol).

Those skilled in the art will be able to determine appropriate dosageamounts for particular agents to be used in combination with ananti-CGRP antibody. For example, sumatriptan may be administered in adosage from about 0.01 to about 300 mg. In some cases, sumatriptan maybe administered in a dosage from 2 mg to 300 mg. When administerednon-parenterally, the typical dosage of sumatriptan is from about 25 toabout 100 mg with about 50 mg being generally preferred and, whenadministered parenterally, the preferred dosage is about 6 mg. However,these dosages may be varied according to methods standard in the art sothat they are optimized for a particular patient or for a particularcombination therapy. Further, for example, celecoxib may be administeredin an amount of between 50 and 500 mg.

In another aspect, the invention provides methods for ameliorating,controlling, reducing incidence of, or delaying the development orprogression of hot flushes in an individual comprising administering tothe individual an effective amount of an anti-CGRP antagonist antibodyin combination with at least one additional agent useful for treatinghot flushes. Such additional agents include, but are not limited to,hormone-based treatments, including estrogens and/or some progestins.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of treating orreducing incidence of headache (e.g., migraine) in a subject comprisingadministering to the subject on a plurality of days an amount of amonoclonal antibody (e.g., a monoclonal, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody)that modulates the CGRP pathway. In some embodiments, the amount of themonoclonal antibody administered on each of the plurality of days may bebetween 0.1 mg-5000 mg, 1 mg-5000 mg, 10 mg−5000 mg, 100 mg-5000 mg,1000 mg-5000 mg, 0.1 mg-4000 mg, 1 mg-4000 mg, 10 mg-4000 mg, 100mg-4000 mg, 1000 mg-4000 mg, 0.1 mg-3000 mg, 1 mg-3000 mg, 10 mg-3000mg, 100 mg-3000 mg, 1000 mg-3000 mg, 0.1 mg-2000 mg, 1 mg-2000 mg, 10mg-2000 mg, 100 mg-2000 mg, 1000 mg-2000 mg, 0.1 mg-1000 mg, 1 mg−1000mg, 10 mg-1000 mg or 100 mg-1000 mg. In some embodiments, the amount isbetween 100-2000 mg.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of treating orreducing incidence of headache (e.g., migraine) in a subject comprisingadministering to the subject a single dose of a monoclonal antibody(e.g., a monoclonal, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) in an amount thatmodulates the CGRP pathway. In some embodiments, the single dose may bean amount of antibody between 0.1 mg-5000 mg, 1 mg-5000 mg, 10 mg-5000mg, 100 mg-5000 mg, 1000 mg-5000 mg, 0.1 mg-4000 mg, 1 mg-4000 mg, 10mg-4000 mg, 100 mg-4000 mg, 1000 mg-4000 mg, 0.1 mg-3000 mg, 1 mg-3000mg, 10 mg-3000 mg, 100 mg-3000 mg, 1000 mg-3000 mg, 0.1 mg-2000 mg, 1mg-2000 mg, 10 mg-2000 mg, 100 mg-2000 mg, 1000 mg-2000 mg, 0.1 mg-1000mg, 1 mg-1000 mg, 10 mg-1000 mg or 100 mg-1000 mg. In some embodiments,the single dose may be an amount of antibody between 100-2000 mg.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of treating orreducing incidence of at least one vasomotor symptom in a subjectcomprising administering to the subject on a plurality of days an amountof a monoclonal antibody (e.g., a monoclonal, anti-CGRP antagonistantibody) that modulates the CGRP pathway. In some embodiments, theamount of the monoclonal antibody administered on each of the pluralityof days may be between 0.1 mg-5000 mg, 1 mg-5000 mg, 10 mg-5000 mg, 100mg-5000 mg, 1000 mg-5000 mg, 0.1 mg-4000 mg, 1 mg-4000 mg, 10 mg-4000mg, 100 mg-4000 mg, 1000 mg-4000 mg, 0.1 mg-3000 mg, 1 mg-3000 mg, 10mg-3000 mg, 100 mg-3000 mg, 1000 mg-3000 mg, 0.1 mg-2000 mg, 1 mg-2000mg, 10 mg-2000 mg, 100 mg-2000 mg, 1000 mg-2000 mg, 0.1 mg-1000 mg, 1mg-1000 mg, 10 mg-1000 mg or 100 mg-1000 mg. In some embodiments, theamount is between 100-2000 mg.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of decreasing anumber of monthly headache hours experienced by a subject, comprisingadministering to the subject an amount of a monoclonal antibody (e.g., amonoclonal, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) that modulates the CGRPpathway. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody can be in anamount effective to decrease the number of monthly headache hours by atleast 0.1, 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75,80, 85, 90, 95, 100 or more headache hours after a single dose. In someembodiments, the monoclonal can be in an amount effective to decreasethe number of monthly headache hours by at least 20 headache hours aftera single dose. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody can be in anamount effective to decrease the number of monthly headache hours by atleast 40 headache hours. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibodycan be in an amount effective to decrease the number of monthly headachehours by at least 0.1%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%,20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%,90%, 95%, 99% or more after a single dose. In some embodiments, themonoclonal can be in an amount effective to decrease the number ofmonthly headache hours by at least 15% after a single dose.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of decreasing anumber of monthly headache days experienced by a subject, comprisingadministering to the subject an amount of a monoclonal antibody (e.g., amonoclonal, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) that modulates the CGRPpathway. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody can be in anamount effective to decrease the number of monthly headache days by atleast 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 ormore headache days after a single dose. In some embodiments, themonoclonal antibody can be in an amount effective to decrease the numberof monthly headache days by at least 3 headache days after a singledose. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody can be in an amounteffective to decrease the number of monthly headache days by at least0.1%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%,40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or moreafter a single dose.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of decreasing use ofan anti-headache medication in a subject, comprising administering tothe subject a monoclonal antibody (e.g., a monoclonal anti-CGRPantagonist antibody) that modulates the CGRP pathway. In someembodiments, the monoclonal antibody can be in an amount effective todecrease monthly use of the anti-headache medication by the subject byat least 0.1%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%,30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%,99% or more. In some embodiments, the monoclonal antibody can be in anamount effective to decrease monthly use of the anti-headache medicationby the subject by at least 15%. The anti-headache medication can be anytype of anti-headache medication described elsewhere herein.Non-limiting examples of anti-headache medications include 5-HT1agonists (and agonists acting at other 5-HT1 sites), triptans (e.g.,sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, eletriptan,almotriptan, afrovatriptan), ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine tartrate,ergonovine maleate, and ergoloid mesylates (e.g., dihydroergocornine,dihydroergocristine, dihydroergocryptine, and dihydroergotamine mesylate(DHE 45)) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g.,aspirin, diclofenac, diflusinal, etodolac, fenbufen, fenoprofen,flufenisal, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen,ketorolac, meclofenamic acid, mefenamic acid, nabumetone, naproxen,oxaprozin, phenylbutazone, piroxicam, sulindac, tolmetin or zomepirac,cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors, celecoxib; rofecoxib; meloxicam;JTE-522; L-745,337; NS398; or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof), opiates (e.g., oxycodone) and β-adrenergic antagonists (e.g.,propranolol).

With respect to all methods described herein, references to antibodies(e.g., monoclonal antibodies that modulate the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRPantagonist antibodies, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibodies) alsoinclude compositions comprising one or more of these agents.Accordingly, such a composition may be used according to a methodreferring to an antibody described herein. These compositions mayfurther comprise suitable excipients, such as pharmaceuticallyacceptable excipients as described elsewhere herein. The presentinvention can be used alone or in combination with other conventionalmethods of treatment.

An antibody described herein (e.g., a monoclonal antibody, an anti-CGRPantagonist antibody, a monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) can beadministered to an individual or subject in any therapeutic dose, viaany suitable route and in any suitable formulation. It should beapparent to a person skilled in the art that the examples describedherein are not intended to be limiting but to be illustrative of thetechniques available. Accordingly, in some embodiments, an antibodydescribed herein can be administered to an individual in accord withknown methods, such as intravenous administration, e.g., as a bolus orby continuous infusion over a period of time, by intramuscular,intraperitoneal, intracerebrospinal, subcutaneous, intra-articular,sublingually, intra-arterial, intrasynovial, via insufflation,intrathecal, oral, inhalation, intranasal (e.g., with or withoutinhalation), buccal, rectal, transdermal, intracardiac, intraosseous,intradermal, transmucosal, vaginal, intravitreal, peri-articular, local,epicutaneous, or topical routes. Administration can be systemic, e.g.,intravenous administration, or localized. Commercially availablenebulizers for liquid formulations, including jet nebulizers andultrasonic nebulizers are useful for administration. Liquid formulationscan be directly nebulized and lyophilized powder can be nebulized afterreconstitution. Alternatively, an antibody described herein can beaerosolized using a fluorocarbon formulation and a metered dose inhaler,or inhaled as a lyophilized and milled powder.

In some embodiments, an antibody described herein can be administeredvia site-specific or targeted local delivery techniques. Examples ofsite-specific or targeted local delivery techniques include variousimplantable depot sources of the antibody or local delivery catheters,such as infusion catheters, an indwelling catheter, or a needlecatheter, synthetic grafts, adventitial wraps, shunts and stents orother implantable devices, site specific carriers, direct injection, ordirect application. See e.g., PCT Publication No. WO 00/53211 and U.S.Pat. No. 5,981,568.

Various formulations of an antibody described herein may be used foradministration. In some embodiments, an antibody may be administeredneat. In some embodiments, antibody and a pharmaceutically acceptableexcipient may be in various formulations. Pharmaceutically acceptableexcipients are known in the art, and are relatively inert substancesthat facilitate administration of a pharmacologically effectivesubstance. For example, an excipient can give form or consistency, oract as a diluent. Suitable excipients include but are not limited tostabilizing agents, wetting and emulsifying agents, salts for varyingosmolarity, encapsulating agents, buffers, and skin penetrationenhancers. Excipients as well as formulations for parenteral andnonparenteral drug delivery are set forth in Remington, The Science andPractice of Pharmacy 20th Ed. Mack Publishing (2000).

In some embodiments, these agents, including antibodies describedherein, may be formulated for administration by injection (e.g.,intraperitoneally, intravenously, subcutaneously, intramuscularly,etc.). Accordingly, these agents can be combined with pharmaceuticallyacceptable vehicles such as saline, Ringer's solution, dextrosesolution, and the like. The particular dosage regimen, i.e., dose,timing and repetition, will depend on the particular individual and thatindividual's medical history.

In some embodiments, these agents, including antibodies describedherein, may be formulated for peripheral administration. Suchformulations can be administered peripherally via any suitableperipheral route, including intravenously and subcutaneously. An agentprepared for peripheral administration can include a substance,medicament, and/or antibody that is not delivered centrally, spinally,intrathecally, or directly into the CNS. Non-limiting examples ofperipheral administration routes include a route which is oral,sublingual, buccal, topical, rectal, via inhalation, transdermal,subcutaneous, intravenous, intra-arterial, intramuscular, intracardiac,intraosseous, intradermal, intraperitoneal, transmucosal, vaginal,intravitreal, intra-articular, peri-articular, local, or epicutaneous.

Therapeutic formulations of the antibodies used in accordance with thepresent disclosure can be prepared for storage and/or use by mixing anantibody having the desired degree of purity with optionalpharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients or stabilizers(Remington, The Science and Practice of Pharmacy 20th Ed. MackPublishing (2000)), and can in some cases be in the form of lyophilizedformulations or aqueous solutions. Acceptable carriers, excipients, orstabilizers are nontoxic to recipients at the dosages and concentrationsemployed. A therapeutic formulation of an antibody may comprise one ormore pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients or stabilizes withnon-limiting examples of such species that include buffers such asphosphate, citrate, and other organic acids; salts such as sodiumchloride; antioxidants including ascorbic acid and methionine;preservatives (such as octadecyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride;hexamethonium chloride; benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride;phenol, butyl or benzyl alcohol; alkyl parabens, such as methyl orpropyl paraben; catechol; resorcinol; cyclohexanol; 3-pentanol; andm-cresol); low molecular weight (less than about 10 residues)polypeptides; proteins, such as serum albumin, gelatin, orimmunoglobulins; hydrophilic polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone;amino acids (e.g., at concentrations of 0.1 mM to 100 mM, 0.1 mM to 1mM, 0.01 mM to 50 mM, 1 mM to 50 mM, 1 mM to 30 mM, 1 mM to 20 mM, 10 mMto 25 mM) such as glycine, glutamine, methionine, asparagine, histidine,arginine, or lysine; monosaccharides, disaccharides, and othercarbohydrates including glucose, mannose, or dextrins; chelating agents(e.g., at concentrations of 0.001 mg/mL to 1 mg/mL, 0.001 mg/mL to 1mg/mL, 0.001 mg/mL to 0.1 mg/mL, 0.001 mg/mL to 0.01 mg/mL, 0.01 mg/mLto 0.1 mg/mL) such as EDTA (e.g., disodium EDTA dihydrate); sugars(e.g., at concentrations of 1 mg/mL to 500 mg/mL, 10 mg/mL to 200 mg/mL,10 mg/mL to 100 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL to 150 mg/mL) such as sucrose, mannitol,trehalose or sorbitol; salt-forming counter-ions such as sodium; metalcomplexes (e.g. Zn-protein complexes); and/or non-ionic surfactants(e.g., at concentrations of 0.01 mg/mL to 10 mg/mL, 0.01 mg/mL to 1mg/mL, 0.1 mg/mL to 1 mg/mL, 0.01 mg/mL to 0.5 mg/mL) such as TWEEN™(e.g., polysorbate (e.g., polysorbate 20, polysorbate 40, polysorbate60, polysorbate 80)), PLURONICS™ or polyethylene glycol (PEG).

An antibody formulation may be characterized in terms of any of avariety of physical properties. For example, a liquid antibodyformulation may have any suitable pH for therapeutic efficacy, safetyand storage. For example, the pH of a liquid antibody formulation may befrom pH 4 to about pH 9, from pH 5 to pH 8, from pH 5 to pH 7 or from pH6 to pH 8. In some embodiments, a liquid antibody formulation may have apH of 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0,9.5 or 10 or higher or lower.

In another example, a liquid antibody formulation may have any suitableviscosity for therapeutic efficacy, safety and storage. For example, theviscosity of a liquid antibody formulation may be from 0.5 centipoise(cP) to 100 cP, 1 cP to 50 cP, 1 cP to 20 cP, 1 cP to 15 cP or 5 cP to15 cP at 25° C. In some embodiments, a liquid antibody formulation mayhave a viscosity of 0.5 cP, 1 cP, 1.2 cP, 1.4 cP, 1.6 cP, 1.8 cP, 2.0cP, 2.2 cP, 2.4 cP, 2.6 cP, 2.8 cP, 3.0 cP, 3.2 cP, 3.4 cP, 3.6 cP, 3.8cP, 4.0 cP, 4.2 cP, 4.4 cP, 4.6 cP, 4.8 cP, 5.0 cP, 5.2 cP, 5.4 cP, 5.6cP, 5.8 cP, 6.0 cP, 6.2 cP, 6.4 cP, 6.6 cP, 6.8 cP, 7.0 cP, 7.2 cP, 7.4cP, 7.6 cP, 7.8 cP, 8.0 cP, 8.2 cP, 8.4 cP, 8.6 cP, 8.8 cP, 9.0 cP, 9.2cP, 9.4 cP, 9.6 cP, 9.8 cP, 10.0 cP, 10.2 cP, 10.4 cP, 10.6 cP, 10.8 cP,11.0 cP, 11.2 cP, 11.4 cP, 11.6 cP, 11.8 cP, 12.0 cP, 12.2 cP, 12.4 cP,12.6 cP, 12.8 cP, 13.0 cP, 13.2 cP, 13.4 cP, 13.6 cP, 13.8 cP, 14.0 cP,14.2 cP, 14.4 cP, 14.6 cP, 14.8 cP, or 15.0 cP at 25° C. or theviscosity may be higher or lower.

In another example, a liquid antibody formulation may have any suitableconductivity for therapeutic efficacy, safety and storage. For example,the conductivity of a liquid antibody formulation may be from 0.1millisiemens per centimeter (mS/cm) to 15 mS/cm, 0.1 mS/cm to 10 mS/cm,0.1 mS/cm to 5 mS/cm, 0.1 mS/cm to 2 mS/cm or 0.1 mS/cm to 1.5 mS/cm. Insome embodiments, a liquid antibody formulation may have a conductivityof 0.19 mS/cm, 0.59 mS/cm, 1.09 mS/cm, 1.19 mS/cm, 1.29 mS/cm, 1.39mS/cm, 1.49 mS/cm, 1.59 mS/cm, 1.69 mS/cm, 1.79 mS/cm, 1.89 mS/cm, 1.99mS/cm, 2.09 mS/cm, 2.19 mS/cm, 2.29 mS/cm, 2.39 mS/cm, 2.49 mS/cm, 2.59mS/cm, 2.69 mS/cm, 2.79 mS/cm, 2.89 mS/cm, 2.99 mS/cm, 3.09 mS/cm, 3.19mS/cm, 3.29 mS/cm, 3.39 mS/cm, 3.49 mS/cm, 3.59 mS/cm, 3.69 mS/cm, 3.79mS/cm, 3.89 mS/cm, 3.99 mS/cm, 4.09 mS/cm, 4.19 mS/cm, 4.29 mS/cm, 4.39mS/cm, 4.49 mS/cm, 4.59 mS/cm, 4.69 mS/cm, 4.79 mS/cm, 4.89 mS/cm, 4.99mS/cm, 5.09 mS/cm, 6.09 mS/cm, 6.59 mS/cm, 7.09 mS/cm, 7.59 mS/cm, 8.09mS/cm, 8.59 mS/cm, 9.09 mS/cm, 9.59 mS/cm, 10.09 mS/cm, 10.59 mS/cm,11.09 mS/cm, 11.59 mS/cm, 12.09 mS/cm, 12.59 mS/cm, 13.09 mS/cm, 13.59mS/cm, 14.09 mS/cm, 14.59 mS/cm or 15.09 mS/cm or the conductivity maybe higher or lower.

In another example, a liquid antibody formulation may have any suitableosmolality for therapeutic efficacy, safety and storage. For example,the osmolality of a liquid antibody formulation may be from 50milliosmole per kilogram (mOsm/kg) to 5000 mOsm/kg, 50 mOsm/kg to 2000mOsm/kg, 50 mOsm/kg to 1000 mOsm/kg, 50 mOsm/kg to 750 mOsm/kg or 50mOsm/kg to 500 mOsm/kg. In some embodiments, a liquid antibodyformulation may have an osmolality of 50 mOsm/kg, 60 mOsm/kg, 70mOsm/kg, 80 mOsm/kg, 90 mOsm/kg, 100 mOsm/kg 120 mOsm/kg, 140 mOsm/kg,160 mOsm/kg, 180 mOsm/kg, 200 mOsm/kg, 220 mOsm/kg, 240 mOsm/kg, 260mOsm/kg, 280 mOsm/kg, 300 mOsm/kg, 320 mOsm/kg, 340 mOsm/kg, 360mOsm/kg, 380 mOsm/kg, 400 mOsm/kg, 420 mOsm/kg, 440 mOsm/kg, 460mOsm/kg, 480 mOsm/kg, 500 mOsm/kg, 520 mOsm/kg, 540 mOsm/kg, 560mOsm/kg, 580 mOsm/kg, 600 mOsm/kg, 620 mOsm/kg, 640 mOsm/kg, 660mOsm/kg, 680 mOsm/kg, 700 mOsm/kg, 720 mOsm/kg, 740 mOsm/kg, 760mOsm/kg, 780 mOsm/kg, 800 mOsm/kg, 820 mOsm/kg, 840 mOsm/kg, 860mOsm/kg, 880 mOsm/kg, 900 mOsm/kg, 920 mOsm/kg, 940 mOsm/kg, 960mOsm/kg, 980 mOsm/kg, 1000 mOsm/kg, 1050 mOsm/kg, 1100 mOsm/kg, 1150mOsm/kg, 1200 mOsm/kg, 1250 mOsm/kg, 1300 mOsm/kg, 1350 mOsm/kg, 1400mOsm/kg, 1450 mOsm/kg, 1500 mOsm/kg or the osmolality may be higher orlower.

Liposomes containing antibody can be prepared by methods known in theart, such as described in Epstein, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA82:3688 (1985); Hwang, et al., Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 77:4030 (1980);and U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,485,045 and 4,544,545. Liposomes with enhancedcirculation time are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,013,556. Particularlyuseful liposomes can be generated by the reverse phase evaporationmethod with a lipid composition comprising phosphatidylcholine,cholesterol and PEG-derivatized phosphatidylethanolamine (PEG-PE).Liposomes are extruded through filters of defined pore size to yieldliposomes with the desired diameter.

The active ingredients may also be entrapped in microcapsules prepared,for example, by coacervation techniques or by interfacialpolymerization, for example, hydroxymethylcellulose orgelatin-microcapsules and poly-(methylmethacylate) microcapsules,respectively, in colloidal drug delivery systems (for example,liposomes, albumin microspheres, microemulsions, nano-particles andnanocapsules) or in macroemulsions. Such techniques are disclosed inRemington, The Science and Practice of Pharmacy 20th Ed. Mack Publishing(2000).

Sustained-release preparations may be prepared. Suitable examples ofsustained-release preparations include semipermeable matrices of solidhydrophobic polymers containing the antibody, which matrices are in theform of shaped articles, e.g. films, or microcapsules. Examples ofsustained-release matrices include polyesters, hydrogels (for example,poly(2-hydroxyethyl-methacrylate), or ‘poly(v nylalcohol)), polylactides(U.S. Pat. No. 3,773,919), copolymers of L-glutamic acid and 7ethyl-L-glutamate, non-degradable ethylene-vinyl acetate, degradablelactic acid-glycolic acid copolymers such as the LUPRON DEPOT™(injectable microspheres composed of lactic acid-glycolic acid copolymerand leuprolide acetate), sucrose acetate isobutyrate, andpoly-D-(−)-3-hydroxybutyric acid.

The formulations to be used for in vivo administration should generallybe sterile. This is readily accomplished by, for example, filtrationthrough sterile filtration membranes. Therapeutic antibody compositionsare generally placed into a container having a sterile access port, forexample, an intravenous solution bag or vial having a stopper pierceableby a hypodermic injection needle.

The compositions according to the present invention may be in unitdosage forms such as tablets, pills, capsules, powders, granules,solutions or suspensions, or suppositories, for oral, parenteral orrectal administration, or administration by inhalation or insufflation.In some cases, a unit dosage form may be supplied in a prefilledreceptacle (e.g., a prefilled syringe) useful in administering the unitdosage to a subject.

For preparing solid compositions such as tablets, the principal activeingredient can be mixed with a pharmaceutical carrier, e.g. conventionaltableting ingredients such as corn starch, lactose, sucrose, sorbitol,talc, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, dicalcium phosphate or gums, andother pharmaceutical diluents, e.g. water, to form a solidpreformulation composition containing a homogeneous mixture of acompound of the present invention, or a non-toxic pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof. When referring to these preformulationcompositions as homogeneous, it is meant that the active ingredient isdispersed evenly throughout the composition so that the composition maybe readily subdivided into equally effective unit dosage forms such astablets, pills and capsules. This solid preformulation composition isthen subdivided into unit dosage forms of the type described abovecontaining from 0.1 to about 500 mg of the active ingredient of thepresent invention. The tablets or pills of the novel composition can becoated or otherwise compounded to provide a dosage form affording theadvantage of prolonged action. For example, the tablet or pill cancomprise an inner dosage and an outer dosage component, the latter beingin the form of an envelope over the former. The two components can beseparated by an enteric layer that serves to resist disintegration inthe stomach and permits the inner component to pass intact into theduodenum or to be delayed in release. A variety of materials can be usedfor such enteric layers or coatings, such materials including a numberof polymeric acids and mixtures of polymeric acids with such materialsas shellac, cetyl alcohol and cellulose acetate.

Suitable surface-active agents include, in particular, non-ionic agents,such as polyoxyethylenesorbitans (e.g. Tween™ 20, 40, 60, 80 or 85) andother sorbitans (e.g. Span™ 20, 40, 60, 80 or 85). Compositions with asurface-active agent will conveniently comprise between 0.05 and 5%surface-active agent, and can be between 0.1 and 2.5%. It will beappreciated that other ingredients may be added, for example mannitol orother pharmaceutically acceptable vehicles, if necessary.

Suitable emulsions may be prepared using commercially available fatemulsions, such as Intralipid™, Liposyn™, Infonutrol™, Lipofundin™ andLipiphysan™. The active ingredient may be either dissolved in apre-mixed emulsion composition or alternatively it may be dissolved inan oil (e.g. soybean oil, safflower oil, cottonseed oil, sesame oil,corn oil or almond oil) and an emulsion formed upon mixing with aphospholipid (e.g. egg phospholipids, soybean phospholipids or soybeanlecithin) and water. It will be appreciated that other ingredients maybe added, for example glycerol or glucose, to adjust the tonicity of theemulsion. Suitable emulsions will typically contain up to 20% oil, forexample, between 5 and 20%. The fat emulsion can comprise fat dropletsbetween 0.1 and 1.0 1 m, particularly 0.1 and 0.5 1 m, and have a pH inthe range of 5.5 to 8.0.

The emulsion compositions can be those prepared by mixing an antibodywith Intralipid™ or the components thereof (soybean oil, eggphospholipids, glycerol and water).

Compositions for inhalation or insufflation include solutions andsuspensions in pharmaceutically acceptable, aqueous or organic solvents,or mixtures thereof, and powders. The liquid or solid compositions maycontain suitable pharmaceutically acceptable excipients as set outabove. In some embodiments, the compositions are administered by theoral or nasal respiratory route for local or systemic effect.Compositions in preferably sterile pharmaceutically acceptable solventsmay be nebulised by use of gases. Nebulised solutions may be breatheddirectly from the nebulising device or the nebulising device may beattached to a face mask, tent or intermittent positive pressurebreathing machine. Solution, suspension or powder compositions may beadministered, preferably orally or nasally, from devices which deliverthe formulation in an appropriate manner.

In some embodiments, a formulation comprising an antibody (e.g.,monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRPantagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) describedherein may be prepared for any suitable route of administration with anantibody amount ranging from 0.1 mg to 3000 mg, 1 mg to 1000 mg, 100 to1000 mg, or 100 to 500 mg. In some cases, a formulation comprising anantibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway,anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody)described herein may comprise an antibody amount of, at most, or atleast 0.1 mg, 1 mg, 100 mg, 1 mg, 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg,125 mg, 150 mg, 175 mg, 200 mg, 225 mg, 250 mg, 275 mg, 300 mg, 325 mg,350 mg, 375 mg, 400 mg, 450 mg, 475 mg, 500 mg, 525 mg, 550 mg, 575 mg,600 mg, 625 mg, 650 mg, 675 mg, 700 mg, 725 mg, 750 mg, 775 mg, 800 mg,825 mg, 850 mg, 875 mg, 900 mg, 925 mg, 950 mg, 975 mg, 1000 mg, 1100mg, 1200 mg, 1300 mg, 1400 mg, 1500 mg, 1600 mg, 1700 mg, 1800 mg, 1900mg, 2000 mg, or 3000 mg.

In some embodiments, a liquid formulation comprising an antibody (e.g.,monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRPantagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) describedherein may be prepared for any suitable route of administration with anantibody concentration ranging from 0.1 to 500 mg/mL, 0.1 to 375 mg/mL,0.1 to 250 mg/mL, 0.1 to 175 mg/mL, 0.1 to 100 mg/mL, 1 mg/mL to 500mg/mL, 1 mg/mL to 375 mg/mL, 1 mg/mL to 300 mg/mL, 1 mg/mL to 250 mg/mL,1 mg/mL to 200 mg/mL, 1 mg/mL to 150 mg/mL, 1 mg/mL to 100 mg/mL, 10mg/mL to 500 mg/mL, 10 mg/mL to 375 mg/mL, 10 mg/mL to 250 mg/mL, 10mg/mL to 150 mg/mL, 10 mg/mL to 100 mg/mL, 100 mg/mL to 500 mg/mL, 100mg/mL to 450 mg/mL, 100 mg/mL to 400 mg/mL, 100 mg/mL to 350 mg/mL, 100mg/mL to 300 mg/mL, 100 mg/mL to 250 mg/mL, 100 mg/mL to 200 mg/mL or100 mg/mL to 150 mg/mL. In some embodiments, a liquid formulation maycomprise an antibody described herein at a concentration of, of at most,of at least, or less than 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, 10,15 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45,50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105 110, 115, 120, 125,130, 135, 140, 145, 150, 155, 160, 165, 170, 175, 180, 185, 190, 195,200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280, 290, 300, 310, 320, 330,340, 350, 360, 370, 380, 390, 400, 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470,480, 490, or 500 mg/mL.

An antibody formulation may comprise one or more components includingthe antibody and other species described elsewhere herein. The antibodyand other components may be in any suitable amount and/or any suitableconcentration for therapeutic efficacy of the antibody, safety andstorage. In one example, an antibody formulation may be a solutioncomprising 51.4 mg/mL antibody (e.g., antibody G1, another anti-CGRPantagonist antibody, a monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRPpathway), 20 mM histidine, 0.1 mg/mL methionine, 84 mg/mL trehalosedihydrate, 0.05 mg/mL disodium EDTA dihydrate, and 0.2 mg/mL polysorbate80.

In another example, an antibody formulation may comprise 200 mg/mLantibody (e.g., antibody G1, another anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, amonoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway), 15 mM arginine, 78mg/mL sucrose, 0.3 mg/mL EDTA, and 0.1 mg/mL polysorbate 80.

In another example, an antibody formulation may comprise 175 mg/mLantibody (e.g., antibody G1, another anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, amonoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway), 20 mM glycine, 88mg/mL trehalose dihydrate, 0.015 mg/mL EDTA and 0.25 mg/mL polysorbate80.

In another example, an antibody formulation may comprise 225 mg/mLantibody (e.g., antibody G1, another anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, amonoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway), 23 mM asparagine,84 mg/mL sorbitol, 0.1 mg/mL EDTA and 0.15 mg/mL polysorbate 60.

In another example, an antibody formulation may comprise 150 mg/mLantibody (e.g., antibody G1, another anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, amonoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway), 17 mM asparagine,74 mg/mL mannitol, 0.025 mg/mL EDTA and 0.2 mg/mL polysorbate 80.

In another example, an antibody formulation may comprise 100 mg/mLantibody (e.g., antibody G1, another anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, amonoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway), 16 mM arginine, 87mg/mL mannitol, 0.025 mg/mL EDTA and 0.15 mg/mL polysorbate 20.

In another example, an antibody formulation may comprise 250 mg/mLantibody (e.g., antibody G1, another anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, amonoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway), 25 mM histidine,74 mg/mL mannitol, 0.025 mg/mL EDTA and 0.25 mg/mL polysorbate 20.

In another example, an antibody formulation may comprise 50 mg/mLantibody (e.g., antibody G1, another anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, amonoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway), 19 mM arginine, 84mg/mL sucrose, 0.05 mg/mL EDTA and 0.3 mg/mL polysorbate 80.

In another example, an antibody formulation may comprise 125 mg/mLantibody (e.g., antibody G1, another anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, amonoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway), 22 mM glycine, 79mg/mL trehalose dihydrate, 0.15 mg/mL EDTA and 0.15 mg/mL polysorbate80.

In another example, an antibody formulation may be a solution comprising175 mg/mL antibody (e.g., antibody G1, another anti-CGRP antagonistantibody, a monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway), 20 mMhistidine, 0.1 mg/mL methionine, 84 mg/mL trehalose dihydrate, 0.05mg/mL disodium EDTA dihydrate, and 0.2 mg/mL polysorbate 80.

In another example, an antibody formulation may comprise 200 mg/mLantibody (e.g., antibody G1, another anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, amonoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway), 30 mM arginine, 78mg/mL sucrose, 0.3 mg/mL EDTA, and 0.1 mg/mL polysorbate 80.

In another example, an antibody formulation may comprise 175 mg/mLantibody (e.g., antibody G1, another anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, amonoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway), 20 mM glycine, 88mg/mL trehalose dihydrate, 0.015 mg/mL EDTA and 0.15 mg/mL polysorbate80.

In another example, an antibody formulation may comprise 150 mg/mLantibody (e.g., antibody G1, another anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, amonoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway), 20 mM histidine,84 mg/mL sucrose, 0.05 mg/mL EDTA and 0.2 mg/mL polysorbate 80.

In another example, an antibody formulation may comprise 225 mg/mLantibody (e.g., antibody G1, another anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, amonoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway), 23 mM histidine,84 mg/mL sorbitol, 0.1 mg/mL EDTA and 0.15 mg/mL polysorbate 60.

In another example, an antibody formulation may comprise 150 mg/mLantibody (e.g., antibody G1, another anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, amonoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway), 17 mM asparagine,74 mg/mL mannitol, 0.3 mg/mL EDTA and 0.2 mg/mL polysorbate 80.

In another example, an antibody formulation may comprise 100 mg/mLantibody (e.g., antibody G1, another anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, amonoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway), 16 mM arginine, 87mg/mL mannitol, 0.025 mg/mL EDTA and 0.25 mg/mL polysorbate 20.

In another example, an antibody formulation may comprise 250 mg/mLantibody (e.g., antibody G1, another anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, amonoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway), 25 mM histidine,89 mg/mL mannitol, 0.025 mg/mL EDTA and 0.25 mg/mL polysorbate 20.

In another example, an antibody formulation may comprise 125 mg/mLantibody (e.g., antibody G1, another anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, amonoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway), 29 mM arginine, 84mg/mL sucrose, 0.05 mg/mL EDTA and 0.3 mg/mL polysorbate 80.

In another example, an antibody formulation may comprise 150 mg/mLantibody (e.g., antibody G1, another anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, amonoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway), 25 mM asparagine,84 mg/mL mannitol, 0.05 mg/mL EDTA and 0.2 mg/mL polysorbate 80.

In another example, an antibody formulation may comprise 145 mg/mLantibody (e.g., antibody G1, another anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, amonoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway), 22 mM histidine,72 mg/mL trehalose dihydrate, 0.05 mg/mL EDTA and 0.1 mg/mL polysorbate80.

An antibody described herein can be administered using any suitablemethod, including by injection (e.g., intraperitoneally, intravenously,subcutaneously, intramuscularly, etc.). Antibodies can also beadministered via inhalation, as described herein. In some cases, anantibody may be administered nasally with or without inhalation.Generally, for administration of an antibody described herein, aninitial candidate dosage can be about 2 mg/kg. For the purpose of thepresent invention, a typical daily dosage might range from about any of3 μg/kg to 30 μg/kg to 300 μg/kg to 3 mg/kg, to 30 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg ormore, depending on the factors mentioned above. For example, dosage ofabout 1 mg/kg, about 2.5 mg/kg, about 5 mg/kg, about 10 mg/kg, and about25 mg/kg may be used. For repeated administrations over several days orlonger, depending on the condition, the treatment is sustained until adesired suppression of symptoms occurs or until sufficient therapeuticlevels are achieved, for example, to reduce pain. An exemplary dosingregimen comprises administering an initial dose of about 8.5 mg/kg,followed by a weekly maintenance dose of about 2.8 mg/kg of an antibody,or followed by a maintenance dose of about 2.8 mg/kg every other week.Another exemplary dosing regimen comprises administering a dose of 100mg, 125 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, 225 mg, 250 mg, 275 mg, 300 mg, 350 mg, 400mg, 450 mg, 500 mg, 550 mg, 600 mg, 675 mg, or 900 mg to a subject onceper month subcutaneously. Another exemplary dosing regimen comprisesadministering an initial dose of 675 mg subcutaneously, followed by amonthly dose of 225 mg of the antibody subcutaneously. However, otherdosage regimens may be useful, depending on the pattern ofpharmacokinetic decay that the practitioner wishes to achieve. Forexample, in some embodiments, dosing from one-four times a week iscontemplated. The progress of this therapy is easily monitored byconventional techniques and assays. The dosing regimen (including theCGRP antagonist(s) used) can vary over time.

In some embodiments, the dose or amount of an antibody (e.g., monoclonalantibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody,monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) described herein andadministered to a subject may range from 0.1 μg to 3000 mg, 1 mg to 1000mg, 100 to 1000 mg, 100 to 500 mg, 0.1 mg to 5000 mg, 1 mg to 4000 mg,250 mg to 1000 mg, 500 mg to 1000 mg, 100 mg to 900 mg, 400 mg to 900mg, 10 mg to 3000 mg, 10 mg to 2000 mg, 100 mg to 2000 mg, 150 mg to2000 mg, 200 mg to 2000 mg, 250 mg to 2000 mg, 300 mg to 2000 mg, 350 mgto 2000 mg, 400 mg to 2000 mg, 450 mg to 2000 mg, 500 mg to 2000 mg, 550mg to 2000 mg, 600 mg to 2000 mg, 650 mg to 2000 mg, 700 mg to 2000 mg,750 mg to 2000 mg, 800 mg to 2000 mg, 850 mg to 2000 mg, 900 mg to 2000mg, 950 mg to 2000 mg, or 1000 mg to 2000 mg. In some embodiments, thedose or amount of an antibody described herein and administered to asubject may be, may be at most, may be less than, or may be at least 0.1μg, 1 μg, 100 μg, 1 mg, 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, 125 mg, 150mg, 175 mg, 200 mg, 225 mg, 250 mg, 275 mg, 300 mg, 325 mg, 350 mg, 375mg, 400 mg, 450 mg, 475 mg, 500 mg, 525 mg, 550 mg, 575 mg, 600 mg, 625mg, 650 mg, 675 mg, 700 mg, 725 mg, 750 mg, 775 mg, 800 mg, 825 mg, 850mg, 875 mg, 900 mg, 925 mg, 950 mg, 975 mg, 1000 mg, 1100 mg, 1200 mg,1300 mg, 1400 mg, 1500 mg, 1600 mg, 1700 mg, 1800 mg, 1900 mg, 2000 mg,or 3000 mg. In some embodiments, the amount is between 100 to 2000 mg.

In some embodiments, the dose or amount of an antibody (e.g., monoclonalantibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody,monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) described herein andadministered to a subject may range from 0.1 to 500, 0.1 to 100, 0.1 to50, 0.1 to 20, 0.1 to 10, 1 to 10, 1 to 7, 1 to 5 or 0.1 to 3 mg/kg ofbody weight. In some embodiments, the dose or amount of an antibody(e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRPantagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) describedherein and administered to a subject may be, may be at most, may be lessthan, or may be at least 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9,1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5,8.0, 8.5, 9.0, 9.5, 10.0, 10.5, 11.0, 11.5, 12.0, 12.5, 13.0, 13.5,14.0, 14.5, 15.0, 15.5, 16.0, 16.5, 17.0, 17.5, 18.0, 18.5, 19.0, 19.5,20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37,38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75,80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200,225, 250, 275, 300, 325, 350, 375, 400, 425, 450, 475, or 500 mg/kg ofbody weight.

In some embodiments, the frequency at which a dose or amount of anantibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway,anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody)described herein is administered to a subject may vary. In someembodiments, a single dose of antibody may be given to a subject acrosstherapy. In some embodiments, the frequency at which a dose or amount ofan antibody is administered to a subject is constant (e.g., administeredonce per month). In some embodiments, the frequency at which a dose oramount of an antibody described herein is administered to a subject isvariable (e.g., an initial dose followed by a dose at one month,followed by additional doses at three months and seven months). In someembodiments, the frequency at which an antibody is administered to asubject is, is at least, is less than, or is at most one, two, three,four, five, or six times per day. In some embodiments, the frequency atwhich an antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRPpathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonistantibody) is administered to a subject is, is at least, is less than, oris at most one, two, three, four, five, or six dose(s) per day.

In some embodiments, the frequency at which a dose or amount of anantibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway,anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody)described herein is administered to a subject is, is at least, is lessthan, or is at most one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight,nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen,seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, or twenty time(s) per every one, two,three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve,thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, nineteen,twenty, twenty-one, twenty-two, twenty-three, twenty-four, twenty-five,twenty-six, twenty-seven, twenty-eight, twenty-nine, thirty, thirty-one,thirty-two, thirty-three, thirty-four, thirty-five, thirty-six,thirty-seven, thirty-eight, thirty-nine, forty, forty-one, forty-two,forty-three, forty-four, forty-five, forty-six, forty-seven,forty-eight, forty-nine, fifty, fifty-five, sixty, sixty-five, seventy,seventy-five, eighty, eighty-five, ninety, ninety-five, one-hundred,one-hundred twenty-five, one-hundred fifty, one-hundred eighty, ortwo-hundred day(s).

In some embodiments, the frequency at which a dose or amount of anantibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway,anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody)described herein is administered to a subject is, is at least, is lessthan, or is at most one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight,nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen,seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, or twenty time(s) per every one, two,three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve,thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, nineteen,twenty, twenty-one, twenty-two, twenty-three, twenty-four, twenty-five,twenty-six, twenty-seven, twenty-eight, twenty-nine, thirty, thirty-one,thirty-two, thirty-three, thirty-four, thirty-five, thirty-six,thirty-seven, thirty-eight, thirty-nine, forty, forty-one, forty-two,forty-three, forty-four, forty-five, forty-six, forty-seven,forty-eight, forty-nine, fifty, fifty-five, sixty, sixty-five, seventy,seventy-five, eighty, eighty-five, ninety, ninety-five, or one-hundredweek(s). In some embodiments, the frequency at which an antibody (e.g.,monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRPantagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) describedherein is administered to a subject is less than one, two, three, four,five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen,or fifteen dose(s) per week.

In some embodiments, the frequency at which a dose or amount of anantibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway,anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody)is administered to a subject is, is at least, is less than, or is atmost one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven,twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen,nineteen, or twenty time(s) per every month, every two months, everythree months, every four months, every five months, every six months,every seven months, every eight months, every nine months, every tenmonths, every eleven months, every twelve months, every thirteen months,every fourteen months, every fifteen months, every sixteen months, everyseventeen months, or every eighteen month(s). In some embodiments, thefrequency at which an antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulatesthe CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRPantagonist antibody) described herein is administered to a subject isless than one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten,eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, or fifteen dose(s) per month. Insome embodiments, a dose or amount of an antibody may be administered(e.g., subcutaneously or intravenously) to a subject one time, twotimes, three times, four times, five times, six times, seven times,eight times, nine times, ten times or more per month.

In some embodiments, an antibody in a dose or amount of 50 mg, 100 mg150 mg, 200 mg, 250 mg, 300 mg, 350 mg, 400 mg, 450 mg, 500 mg, 550 mg,600 mg, 650 mg, 700 mg, 750 mg, 800 mg, 850 mg, 900 mg, 950 mg, 1000 mg,1050 mg, 1100 mg, 1150 mg, 1200 mg, 1250 mg, 1300 mg, 1350 mg, 1400 mg,1450 mg, 1500 mg, 1550 mg, 1600 mg, 1650 mg, 1700 mg, 1750 mg, 1800 mg,1850 mg, 1900 mg, 1950 mg, 2000 mg, 2050 mg, 2100 mg, 2150 mg, 2200 mg,2250 mg, 2300 mg, 2350 mg, 2400 mg, 2450 mg, 2500 mg, 2550 mg, 2600 mg,2650 mg, 2700 mg, 2750 mg, 2800 mg, 2850 mg, 2900 mg, 2950 mg, 3000 mg,or more may be administered (e.g., subcutaneously or intravenously) to asubject once per month. In some embodiments, an antibody in a dose oramount of between 0.1 mg to 5000 mg, 1 mg to 4000 mg, 10 mg to 3000 mg,10 mg to 2000 mg, 100 mg to 2000 mg, 150 mg to 2000 mg, 200 mg to 2000mg, 250 mg to 2000 mg, 300 mg to 2000 mg, 350 mg to 2000 mg, 400 mg to2000 mg, 450 mg to 2000 mg, 500 mg to 2000 mg, 550 mg to 2000 mg, 600 mgto 2000 mg, 650 mg to 2000 mg, 700 mg to 2000 mg, 750 mg to 2000 mg, 800mg to 2000 mg, 850 mg to 2000 mg, 900 mg to 2000 mg, 950 mg to 2000 mg,or 1000 mg to 2000 mg may be administered (e.g., subcutaneously orintravenously) to a subject once per month. In some embodiments, between100-2000 mg of antibody are administered once per month.

In some embodiments, an antibody in a dose or amount of 50 mg, 100 mg150 mg, 200 mg, 250 mg, 300 mg, 350 mg, 400 mg, 450 mg, 500 mg, 550 mg,600 mg, 650 mg, 700 mg, 750 mg, 800 mg, 850 mg, 900 mg, 950 mg, 1000 mg,1050 mg, 1100 mg, 1150 mg, 1200 mg, 1250 mg, 1300 mg, 1350 mg, 1400 mg,1450 mg, 1500 mg, 1550 mg, 1600 mg, 1650 mg, 1700 mg, 1750 mg, 1800 mg,1850 mg, 1900 mg, 1950 mg, 2000 mg, 2050 mg, 2100 mg, 2150 mg, 2200 mg,2250 mg, 2300 mg, 2350 mg, 2400 mg, 2450 mg, 2500 mg, 2550 mg, 2600 mg,2650 mg, 2700 mg, 2750 mg, 2800 mg, 2850 mg, 2900 mg, 2950 mg, 3000 mg,or more may be administered (e.g., subcutaneously or intravenously) to asubject every three months. In some embodiments, an antibody in a doseor amount of between 0.1 mg to 5000 mg, 1 mg to 4000 mg, 10 mg to 3000mg, 10 mg to 2000 mg, 100 mg to 2000 mg, 150 mg to 2000 mg, 200 mg to2000 mg, 250 mg to 2000 mg, 300 mg to 2000 mg, 350 mg to 2000 mg, 400 mgto 2000 mg, 450 mg to 2000 mg, 500 mg to 2000 mg, 550 mg to 2000 mg, 600mg to 2000 mg, 650 mg to 2000 mg, 700 mg to 2000 mg, 750 mg to 2000 mg,800 mg to 2000 mg, 850 mg to 2000 mg, 900 mg to 2000 mg, 950 mg to 2000mg, or 1000 mg to 2000 mg may be administered (e.g., subcutaneously orintravenously) to a subject every three months. In some embodiments,between 450 mg to 2000 mg is administered once every three months orless.

In some embodiments, an antibody in a dose or amount of 50 mg, 100 mg150 mg, 200 mg, 250 mg, 300 mg, 350 mg, 400 mg, 450 mg, 500 mg, 550 mg,600 mg, 650 mg, 700 mg, 750 mg, 800 mg, 850 mg, 900 mg, 950 mg, 1000 mg,1050 mg, 1100 mg, 1150 mg, 1200 mg, 1250 mg, 1300 mg, 1350 mg, 1400 mg,1450 mg, 1500 mg, 1550 mg, 1600 mg, 1650 mg, 1700 mg, 1750 mg, 1800 mg,1850 mg, 1900 mg, 1950 mg, 2000 mg, 2050 mg, 2100 mg, 2150 mg, 2200 mg,2250 mg, 2300 mg, 2350 mg, 2400 mg, 2450 mg, 2500 mg, 2550 mg, 2600 mg,2650 mg, 2700 mg, 2750 mg, 2800 mg, 2850 mg, 2900 mg, 2950 mg, 3000 mg,or more may be administered (e.g., subcutaneously or intravenously) to asubject every six months. In some embodiments, an antibody in a dose oramount of between 0.1 mg to 5000 mg, 1 mg to 4000 mg, 10 mg to 3000 mg,10 mg to 2000 mg, 100 mg to 2000 mg, 150 mg to 2000 mg, 200 mg to 2000mg, 250 mg to 2000 mg, 300 mg to 2000 mg, 350 mg to 2000 mg, 400 mg to2000 mg, 450 mg to 2000 mg, 500 mg to 2000 mg, 550 mg to 2000 mg, 600 mgto 2000 mg, 650 mg to 2000 mg, 700 mg to 2000 mg, 750 mg to 2000 mg, 800mg to 2000 mg, 850 mg to 2000 mg, 900 mg to 2000 mg, 950 mg to 2000 mg,or 1000 mg to 2000 mg may be administered (e.g., subcutaneously orintravenously) to a subject every six months. In some embodiments,between 450 mg to 2000 mg is administered once every six months or less.

In some embodiments, the frequency at which a dose or amount of anantibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway,anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody)is administered to a subject (e.g., subcutaneously or intravenously) is,is at least, is less than, or is at most one, two, three, four, five,six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen,fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, or twenty time(s) perevery quarter. As can be appreciated, a “quarter” can refer to a timeperiod of a quarter year or may also refer to a calendar quarter such asa time period of January 1-March 31, April 1-June 30, July 1-September30 or October 1-December 31. In some cases, a “quarter” may refer to atime period of approximately three months.

In some embodiments, an antibody in a dose or amount of 50 mg, 100 mg150 mg, 200 mg, 250 mg, 300 mg, 350 mg, 400 mg, 450 mg, 500 mg, 550 mg,600 mg, 650 mg, 700 mg, 750 mg, 800 mg, 850 mg, 900 mg, 950 mg, 1000 mg,1050 mg, 1100 mg, 1150 mg, 1200 mg, 1250 mg, 1300 mg, 1350 mg, 1400 mg,1450 mg, 1500 mg, 1550 mg, 1600 mg, 1650 mg, 1700 mg, 1750 mg, 1800 mg,1850 mg, 1900 mg, 1950 mg, 2000 mg, 2050 mg, 2100 mg, 2150 mg, 2200 mg,2250 mg, 2300 mg, 2350 mg, 2400 mg, 2450 mg, 2500 mg, 2550 mg, 2600 mg,2650 mg, 2700 mg, 2750 mg, 2800 mg, 2850 mg, 2900 mg, 2950 mg, 3000 mg,or more may be administered (e.g., subcutaneously or intravenously) to asubject every quarter. In some embodiments, an antibody in a dose oramount of between 0.1 mg to 5000 mg, 1 mg to 4000 mg, 10 mg to 3000 mg,10 mg to 2000 mg, 100 mg to 2000 mg, 150 mg to 2000 mg, 200 mg to 2000mg, 250 mg to 2000 mg, 300 mg to 2000 mg, 350 mg to 2000 mg, 400 mg to2000 mg, 450 mg to 2000 mg, 500 mg to 2000 mg, 550 mg to 2000 mg, 600 mgto 2000 mg, 650 mg to 2000 mg, 700 mg to 2000 mg, 750 mg to 2000 mg, 800mg to 2000 mg, 850 mg to 2000 mg, 900 mg to 2000 mg, 950 mg to 2000 mg,or 1000 mg to 2000 mg may be administered (e.g., subcutaneously orintravenously) to a subject every quarter.

In some embodiments, the frequency at which a dose or amount of anantibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway,anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody)is administered is, is at least, is less than, or is at most one, two,three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve,thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, ortwenty time(s) per every year, every two years, every three years, everyfour years, or every five years. In some embodiments, the frequency atwhich an antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRPpathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonistantibody) is administered to a subject is less than one, two, three,four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen,fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, twenty,twenty-one, twenty-two, twenty-three, twenty-four or twenty-five dose(s)per year.

In some embodiments, an antibody in a dose or amount of 50 mg, 100 mg150 mg, 200 mg, 250 mg, 300 mg, 350 mg, 400 mg, 450 mg, 500 mg, 550 mg,600 mg, 650 mg, 700 mg, 750 mg, 800 mg, 850 mg, 900 mg, 950 mg, 1000 mg,1050 mg, 1100 mg, 1150 mg, 1200 mg, 1250 mg, 1300 mg, 1350 mg, 1400 mg,1450 mg, 1500 mg, 1550 mg, 1600 mg, 1650 mg, 1700 mg, 1750 mg, 1800 mg,1850 mg, 1900 mg, 1950 mg, 2000 mg, 2050 mg, 2100 mg, 2150 mg, 2200 mg,2250 mg, 2300 mg, 2350 mg, 2400 mg, 2450 mg, 2500 mg, 2550 mg, 2600 mg,2650 mg, 2700 mg, 2750 mg, 2800 mg, 2850 mg, 2900 mg, 2950 mg, 3000 mg,or more may be administered to a subject every once per year. In someembodiments, an antibody in a dose or amount of between 0.1 mg to 5000mg, 1 mg to 4000 mg, 10 mg to 3000 mg, 10 mg to 2000 mg, 100 mg to 2000mg, 150 mg to 2000 mg, 200 mg to 2000 mg, 250 mg to 2000 mg, 300 mg to2000 mg, 350 mg to 2000 mg, 400 mg to 2000 mg, 450 mg to 2000 mg, 500 mgto 2000 mg, 550 mg to 2000 mg, 600 mg to 2000 mg, 650 mg to 2000 mg, 700mg to 2000 mg, 750 mg to 2000 mg, 800 mg to 2000 mg, 850 mg to 2000 mg,900 mg to 2000 mg, 950 mg to 2000 mg, or 1000 mg to 2000 mg may beadministered to a subject every once per year. In some embodiments,between 450 mg to 2000 mg is administered once every year or less.

In some embodiments, a method may comprise administering an antibody(e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRPantagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) describedherein to a subject on a plurality of days. Two, three, four, five, six,seven, eight or more days of the plurality of days may be more than 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21,22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75or more days apart. In some embodiments, two of the plurality of daysare more than one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten,eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen,eighteen, nineteen, twenty, twenty-one, twenty-two, twenty-three,twenty-four, twenty-five, twenty-six, twenty-seven, twenty-eight,twenty-nine, thirty or more days apart. Moreover, in some embodiments,the amount of antibody administered on a first day of the plurality ofdays may be different (e.g., higher or lower) than the amount of theantibody administered on a second day.

In some embodiments, an initial dose (e.g., a loading dose) of anantibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway,anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody)described herein may be administered to a subject, followed byadministration of one or more additional doses at desired intervals. Insome embodiments, the initial dose and one or more of the additionaldoses are the same dose. In some embodiments, the one or more additionaldoses are a different dose than the initial dose. In some embodiments,the frequency at which the one or more additional doses are administeredis constant (e.g., every month). In some embodiments, the frequency atwhich the one or more additional doses are administered is variable(e.g., one additional dose administered at one month following theinitial dose, followed by another additional dose at three monthsfollowing the initial dose). Any desirable and/or therapeutic regimen ofinitial loading dose, additional doses, and frequency (e.g., includingthose described herein) of additional doses may be used. An exemplaryregimen includes an initial loading dose of 675 mg anti-CGRP antagonistantibody administered subcutaneously, followed by subsequent maintenancedoses of 225 mg of the antibody administered subcutaneously at one monthintervals.

In some embodiments, an initial dose of an antibody (e.g., monoclonalantibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody,monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) of 0.1 μg, 1 μg, 100 μg, 1 mg,10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, 125 mg, 150 mg, 175 mg, 200 mg, 225mg, 250 mg, 275 mg, 300 mg, 325 mg, 350 mg, 375 mg, 400 mg, 450 mg, 475mg, 500 mg, 525 mg, 550 mg, 575 mg, 600 mg, 625 mg, 650 mg, 675 mg, 700mg, 725 mg, 750 mg, 775 mg, 800 mg, 825 mg, 850 mg, 875 mg, 900 mg, 925mg, 950 mg, 975 mg, 1000 mg, 1500 mg, 2000 mg, or 3000 mg may beadministered to a subject followed by one or more additional doses ofthe antibody of 0.1 μg, 1 μg, 100 μg, 1 mg, 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg,100 mg, 125 mg, 150 mg, 175 mg, 200 mg, 225 mg, 250 mg, 275 mg, 300 mg,325 mg, 350 mg, 375 mg, 400 mg, 450 mg, 475 mg, 500 mg, 525 mg, 550 mg,575 mg, 600 mg, 625 mg, 650 mg, 675 mg, 700 mg, 725 mg, 750 mg, 775 mg,800 mg, 825 mg, 850 mg, 875 mg, 900 mg, 925 mg, 950 mg, 975 mg, 1000 mg,1500 mg, 2000 mg, or 3000 mg.

In some embodiments, a dose or amount of antibody (e.g., monoclonalantibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody,monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) described herein may bedivided into sub-doses and administered as multiple sub-doses,depending, for example, on the route of administration and/or particularformulation administered. For example, in cases where a dose isadministered subcutaneously, the subcutaneous dose may be divided intomultiple sub-doses and each sub-dose administered at a different site inorder to avoid, for example, a larger, single subcutaneous injection ata single site. For example, a subcutaneous dose of 900 mg may be dividedinto four sub-doses of 225 mg each and each 225 mg dose administered ata different site, which can help minimize the volume injected at eachsite. The division of sub-doses may be equal (e.g., 4 equal sub-doses)or may be unequal (e.g., 4 sub-doses, two of the sub-doses twice aslarge as the other sub-doses).

In some embodiments, the number of doses of antibody administered to asubject over the course of treatment may vary depending upon, forexample, achieving reduced incidence of a vasomotor symptom and/orheadache in the subject. In some embodiments, the vasomotor symptom isassociated with a form of headache (e.g., migraine, chronic migraine,episodic migraine, other type of headache, etc.). For example, thenumber of doses administered over the course of treatment may be, may beat least, or may be at most 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31,32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49,or 50. In some cases (e.g., in cases where a subject has chronicmigraine), treatment may be given indefinitely. In some cases, treatmentmay be acute such that at most 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 doses areadministered to a subject for treatment.

In some embodiments, a dose (or sub-dose) or amount of an antibody(e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRPantagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) describedherein may be formulated in a liquid formulation and administered (e.g.,via subcutaneous injection, via intravenous injection) to a subject. Insuch cases, the volume of liquid formulation comprising antibody mayvary depending upon, for example, the concentration of antibody in theliquid formulation, the desired dose of antibody, and/or the route ofadministration used. For example the volume of liquid formulationcomprising an antibody described herein and administered (e.g., via aninjection, such as, for example, a subcutaneous injection or anintravenous injection) to a subject may be from 0.001 mL to 10.0 mL,0.01 mL to 5.0 mL, 0.1 mL to 5 mL, 0.1 mL to 3 mL, 0.5 mL to 2.5 mL, or1 mL to 2.5 mL. For example, the volume of liquid formulation comprisingan antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway,anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody)described herein and administered (e.g., via an injection, such as, forexample, a subcutaneous injection, an intravenous injection) to asubject may be, may be at least, may be less than, or may be at most0.001, 0.005, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09,0.10, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4,1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8,2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2,4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0,8.5, 9.0, 9.5, or 10.0 mL.

In some embodiments, a dose (or sub-dose) or amount of an antibody(e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRPantagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) describedherein may be supplied in prefilled receptacles useful in administeringantibody to a subject. Such prefilled receptacles may be designed forself-administration or for administration by another. For example, adose (or sub-dose) or amount of antibody described herein may besupplied as a liquid formulation in pre-filled syringes. In suchexamples, the pre-filled syringes may be designed forself-administration or for administration by another. In some cases,pre-filled syringes may be designed for subcutaneous administrationand/or intravenous administration.

For the purpose of the present invention, the appropriate dosage of anantibody may depend on the antibody (or compositions thereof) employed,the type and severity of vasomotor symptom, the type and severity ofheadache (e.g., migraine) or other condition to be treated, whether theagent is administered for preventive or therapeutic purposes, previoustherapy, the patient's clinical history and response to the agent, andthe discretion of the attending physician. Typically the clinician willadminister an antibody, until a dosage is reached that achieves thedesired result. Dose and/or frequency can vary over course of treatment.

Empirical considerations, such as the half-life, generally willcontribute to the determination of the dosage. For example, antibodiesthat are compatible with the human immune system, such as humanizedantibodies or fully human antibodies, may be used to prolong half-lifeof the antibody and to prevent the antibody being attacked by the host'simmune system. Frequency of administration may be determined andadjusted over the course of therapy, and is generally, but notnecessarily, based on treatment and/or suppression and/or ameliorationand/or delay of headache (e.g., migraine) or other condition.Alternatively, sustained continuous release formulations of antibodiesmay be appropriate. Various formulations and devices for achievingsustained release are known in the art.

In one embodiment, dosages for an antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibodythat modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody,monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) described herein may bedetermined empirically in individuals who have been given one or moreadministration(s) of the antibody. Individuals are given incrementaldosages of an antibody. To assess efficacy of an antibody, an indicatorof the disease can be followed.

Administration of an antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulatesthe CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRPantagonist antibody) in accordance with the methods of the presentinvention can be continuous or intermittent, depending, for example,upon the recipient's physiological condition, whether the purpose of theadministration is therapeutic or prophylactic, and other factors knownto skilled practitioners. The administration of an antibody may beessentially continuous over a preselected period of time or may be in aseries of spaced dose, e.g., either before, during, or after developingheadache (e.g., migraine); before; during; before and after; during andafter; before and during; or before, during, and after developingheadache. Administration can be before, during and/or after any eventlikely to give rise to headache.

In some embodiments, more than one antibody may be present. At leastone, at least two, at least three, at least four, at least fivedifferent, or more antibodies can be present. Generally, thoseantibodies may have complementary activities that do not adverselyaffect each other. An antibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulatesthe CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRPantagonist antibody) described herein can also be used in conjunctionwith other CGRP antagonists or CGRP receptor antagonists. For example,one or more of the following CGRP antagonists may be used: an anti-sensemolecule directed to a CGRP (including an anti-sense molecule directedto a nucleic acid encoding CGRP), a CGRP inhibitory compound, a CGRPstructural analog, a dominant-negative mutation of a CGRP receptor thatbinds a CGRP, and an anti-CGRP receptor antibody. An antibody can alsobe used in conjunction with other agents that serve to enhance and/orcomplement the effectiveness of the agents.

Diagnosis or assessment of headache is well-established in the art.Assessment may be performed based on subjective measures, such aspatient characterization of symptoms. For example, migraine may bediagnosed based on the following criteria: 1) episodic attacks ofheadache lasting 4 to 72 hours; 2) with two of the following symptoms:unilateral pain, throbbing, aggravation on movement, and pain ofmoderate or severe intensity; and 3) one of the following symptoms:nausea or vomiting, and photophobia or phonophobia. Goadsby et al., N.Engl. J. Med. 346:257-270, 2002. In some embodiments, assessment ofheadache (e.g., migraine) may be via headache hours, as describedelsewhere herein. For example assessment of headache (e.g., migraine)may be in terms of daily headache hours, weekly headache hours, monthlyheadache hours and/or yearly headache hours. In some cases, headachehours may be as reported by the subject.

Treatment efficacy can be assessed by methods well-known in the art. Forexample, pain relief may be assessed. Accordingly, in some embodiments,pain relief is subjectively observed after 1, 2, or a few hours afteradministering an anti-CGRP antibody. In some embodiments, frequency ofheadache attacks is subjectively observed after administering ananti-CGRP antibody.

In some embodiments, a method for treating or reducing incidence ofheadache in a subject as described herein may reduce incidence ofheadache after a single administration of an antibody (e.g., monoclonalantibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRP antagonist antibody,monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) described herein for anextended period of time. For example, incidence of headache may bereduced for at least 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32,33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50or more days after a single administration.

In some embodiments, a method for treating or reducing incidence ofheadache in a subject as described herein may reduce the number ofheadache hours experienced by a subject from a pre-administration levelafter administration of one or more doses of an antibody (e.g.,monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRPantagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) describedherein to the subject. For example, daily headache hours experienced bythe subject after administering one or more doses of an antibody to thesubject may be reduced by 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 or 24 headache hours from apre-administration level in the subject. In some cases, daily headachehours experienced by the subject after administering one or more dosesof an antibody to the subject may be reduced by 0.5%, 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%,20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%,90%, 95%, 99% or more relative to a pre-administration level in thesubject. In another example, weekly headache hours experienced by thesubject after administering one or more doses of an antibody to thesubject may be reduced by 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50,55, 60, 65, 70, 75 or more headache hours from a pre-administrationlevel in the subject. In some cases, weekly headache hours experiencedby the subject after administering one or more doses of an antibody tothe subject may be reduced by 0.5%, 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%,35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% ormore relative to a pre-administration level in the subject. In anotherexample, monthly headache hours experienced by the subject afteradministering one or more doses of an antibody to the subject may bereduced by 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65,70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125 or more headachehours from a pre-administration level. In some cases, weekly headachehours experienced by the subject after administering one or more dosesof an antibody to the subject may be reduced by 0.5%, 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%,20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%,90%, 95%, 99% or more relative to a pre-administration level in thesubject.

In some embodiments, a method for treating or reducing incidence ofheadache in a subject as described herein may reduce the number ofheadache days experienced by a subject from a pre-administration levelafter administration of one or more doses of an antibody (e.g.,monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, anti-CGRPantagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) describedherein to the subject. For example, weekly headache days experienced bythe subject after administering one or more doses of an antibody to thesubject may be reduced by 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5,6, 6.5, or 7 headache days from a pre-administration level in thesubject. In some cases, weekly headache days experienced by the subjectafter administering one or more doses of an antibody to the subject maybe reduced by 0.5%, 1%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%,55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or more relative to apre-administration level in the subject. In another example, monthlyheadache days experienced by the subject after administering one or moredoses of an antibody to the subject may be reduced by 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4,5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20 or more headache days from apre-administration level.

In some embodiments, a method may comprise administering to a subjectone or more additional agent(s) simultaneously or sequentially with anantibody (e.g., monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway,anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, monoclonal anti-CGRP antagonistantibody). In some embodiments, an additional agent may be ananti-headache medication such as an example anti-headache medication(e.g., 5-HT1 agonists, triptans, ergot alkaloids, opiates, (3-adrenergicantagonists, NSAIDs) described elsewhere herein. In some embodiments, atherapeutic effect may be greater as compared to use of an antibody orone or more additional agent(s) alone. Accordingly, a synergistic effectbetween an antibody and the one or more additional agents may beachieved. In some embodiments, the one or more additional agent(s) maybe taken by a subject prophylactically.

B. Anti-CGRP Antagonist Antibodies

In some embodiments, the methods of the invention use an antibody, whichcan be an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody. An anti-CGRP antagonistantibody can refer to any antibody molecule that blocks, suppresses orreduces (including significantly) CGRP biological activity, includingdownstream pathways mediated by CGRP signaling, such as receptor bindingand/or elicitation of a cellular response to CGRP.

An anti-CGRP antagonist antibody can exhibit any one or more of thefollowing characteristics: (a) bind to CGRP; (b) block CGRP from bindingto its receptor(s); (c) block or decrease CGRP receptor activation(including cAMP activation); (d) inhibit CGRP biological activity ordownstream pathways mediated by CGRP signaling function; (e) prevent,ameliorate, or treat any aspect of headache (e.g., migraine); (f)increase clearance of CGRP; and (g) inhibit (reduce) CGRP synthesis,production or release. Anti-CGRP antagonist antibodies are known in theart. See e.g., Tan et al., Clin. Sci. (Lond). 89:565-73, 1995; Sigma(Missouri, US), product number C7113 (clone #4901); Plourde et al.,Peptides 14:1225-1229, 1993.

In some embodiments, the antibody reacts with CGRP in a manner thatinhibits CGRP, and/or the CGRP pathway, including downstream pathwaysmediated by the CGRP signaling function. In some embodiments, theanti-CGRP antagonist antibody recognizes human CGRP. In someembodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody binds to both humanα-CGRP and β-CGRP. In some embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonistantibody binds human and rat CGRP. In some embodiments, the anti-CGRPantagonist antibody binds the C-terminal fragment having amino acids25-37 of CGRP. In some embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibodybinds a C-terminal epitope within amino acids 25-37 of CGRP.

The antibodies useful in the present invention can encompass monoclonalantibodies, polyclonal antibodies, antibody fragments (e.g., Fab, Fab′,F(ab′)2, Fv, Fc, etc.), chimeric antibodies, bispecific antibodies,heteroconjugate antibodies, single chain (ScFv), mutants thereof, fusionproteins comprising an antibody portion (e.g., a domain antibody),humanized antibodies, and any other modified configuration of theimmunoglobulin molecule that comprises an antigen recognition site ofthe required specificity, including glycosylation variants ofantibodies, amino acid sequence variants of antibodies, and covalentlymodified antibodies. The antibodies may be murine, rat, human, or anyother origin (including chimeric or humanized antibodies).

In some embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody is a monoclonalantibody. In some embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody ishumanized. In some embodiments, the antibody is human. In someembodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody is antibody G1 (asdescribed herein). In some embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonistantibody comprises one or more CDR(s) (such as one, two, three, four,five, or, in some embodiments, all six CDRs) of antibody G1 or variantsof G1 shown in Table 6. In still other embodiments, the anti-CGRPantagonist antibody comprises the amino acid sequence of the heavy chainvariable region shown in FIG. 5 (SEQ ID NO:1) and the amino acidsequence of the light chain variable region shown in FIG. 5 (SEQ IDNO:2).

In some embodiments, the antibody comprises a light chain variableregion (LCVR) and a heavy chain variable region (HCVR) selected from thegroups consisting of: (a) LCVR17 (SEQ ID NO: 58) and HCVR22 (SEQ ID NO:59); (b) LCVR18 (SEQ ID NO: 60) and HCVR23 (SEQ ID NO: 61); (c) LCVR19(SEQ ID NO: 62) and HCVR24 (SEQ ID NO: 63); (d) LCVR20 (SEQ ID NO: 64)and HCVR25 (SEQ ID NO: 65); (e) LCVR21 (SEQ ID NO: 66) and HCVR26 (SEQID NO: 67); (0 LCVR27 (SEQ ID NO: 68) and HCVR28 (SEQ ID NO: 69); (g)LCVR29 (SEQ ID NO: 70) and HCVR30 (SEQ ID NO: 71); (h) LCVR31 (SEQ IDNO: 72) and HCVR32 (SEQ ID NO: 73); (i) LCVR33 (SEQ ID NO: 74) andHCVR34 (SEQ ID NO: 75); (j) LCVR35 (SEQ ID NO: 76) and HCVR36 (SEQ IDNO: 77); and (k) LCVR37 (SEQ ID NO: 78) and HCVR38 (SEQ ID NO: 79).Sequences of these regions are provided herein. Other examples ofantibodies are described in US20110305711, US20120294802, US20120294797,and US20100172895, which are incorporated herein by reference.

In some embodiments, the antibody comprises a modified constant region,such as a constant region that is immunologically inert describedherein. In some embodiments, the constant region is modified asdescribed in Eur. J. Immunol. (1999) 29:2613-2624; PCT Application No.PCT/GB99/01441; and/or UK Patent Application No. 9809951.8. In otherembodiments, the antibody comprises a human heavy chain IgG2 constantregion comprising the following mutations: A330P331 to S330S331 (aminoacid numbering with reference to the wildtype IgG2 sequence). Eur. J.Immunol. (1999) 29:2613-2624. In some embodiments, the antibodycomprises a constant region of IgG4 comprising the following mutations:E233F234L235 to P233V234A235. In still other embodiments, the constantregion is aglycosylated for N-linked glycosylation. In some embodiments,the constant region is aglycosylated for N-linked glycosylation bymutating the oligosaccharide attachment residue (such as Asn297) and/orflanking residues that are part of the N-glycosylation recognitionsequence in the constant region. In some embodiments, the constantregion is aglycosylated for N-linked glycosylation. The constant regionmay be aglycosylated for N-linked glycosylation enzymatically or byexpression in a glycosylation deficient host cell.

The binding affinity (K_(D)) of an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody to CGRP(such as human α-CGRP) can be about 0.02 to about 200 nM. In someembodiments, the binding affinity is any of about 200 nM, about 100 nM,about 50 nM, about 10 nM, about 1 nM, about 500 pM, about 100 pM, about60 pM, about 50 pM, about 20 pM, about 15 pM, about 10 pM, about 5 pM,or about 2 pM. In some embodiments, the binding affinity is less thanany of about 250 nM, about 200 nM, about 100 nM, about 50 nM, about 10nM, about 1 nM, about 500 pM, about 100 pM, or about 50 pM.

One way of determining binding affinity of antibodies to CGRP is bymeasuring binding affinity of monofunctional Fab fragments of theantibody. To obtain monofunctional Fab fragments, an antibody (forexample, IgG) can be cleaved with papain or expressed recombinantly. Theaffinity of an anti-CGRP Fab fragment of an antibody can be determinedby surface plasmon resonance (Biacore3000™ surface plasmon resonance(SPR) system, Biacore, INC, Piscataway N.J.) equipped withpre-immobilized streptavidin sensor chips (SA) using HBS-EP runningbuffer (0.01M HEPES, pH 7.4, 0.15 NaCl, 3 mM EDTA, 0.005% v/v SurfactantP20). Biotinylated human CGRP (or any other CGRP) can be diluted intoHBS-EP buffer to a concentration of less than 0.5 ug/mL and injectedacross the individual chip channels using variable contact times, toachieve two ranges of antigen density, either 50-200 response units (RU)for detailed kinetic studies or 800-1,000 RU for screening assays.Regeneration studies have shown that 25 mM NaOH in 25% v/v ethanoleffectively removes the bound Fab while keeping the activity of CGRP onthe chip for over 200 injections. Typically, serial dilutions (spanningconcentrations of 0.1-10× estimated KO of purified Fab samples areinjected for 1 min at 100 μL/minute and dissociation times of up to 2hours are allowed. The concentrations of the Fab proteins are determinedby ELISA and/or SDS-PAGE electrophoresis using a Fab of knownconcentration (as determined by amino acid analysis) as a standard.Kinetic association rates (k_(on)) and dissociation rates (k_(off)) areobtained simultaneously by fitting the data globally to a 1:1 Langmuirbinding model (Karlsson, R. Roos, H. Fagerstam, L. Petersson, B. (1994).Methods Enzymology 6. 99-110) using the BIAevaluation program.Equilibrium dissociation constant (K_(D)) values are calculated ask_(off)/k_(on). This protocol is suitable for use in determining bindingaffinity of an antibody to any CGRP, including human CGRP, CGRP ofanother mammalian (such as mouse CGRP, rat CGRP, primate CGRP), as wellas different forms of CGRP (such as α and β form). Binding affinity ofan antibody is generally measured at 25° C., but can also be measured at37° C.

Antibodies, including anti-CGRP antagonist antibodies, may be made byany method known in the art. The route and schedule of immunization ofthe host animal are generally in keeping with established andconventional techniques for antibody stimulation and production, asfurther described herein. General techniques for production of human andmouse antibodies are known in the art and are described herein.

It is contemplated that any mammalian subject including humans orantibody producing cells therefrom can be manipulated to serve as thebasis for production of mammalian, including human, hybridoma celllines. Typically, the host animal is inoculated intraperitoneally,intramuscularly, orally, subcutaneously, intraplantar, and/orintradermally with an amount of immunogen, including as describedherein.

Hybridomas can be prepared from the lymphocytes and immortalized myelomacells using the general somatic cell hybridization technique of Kohler,B. and Milstein, C. (1975) Nature 256:495-497 or as modified by Buck, D.W., et al., In Vitro, 18:377-381 (1982). Available myeloma lines,including but not limited to X63-Ag8.653 and those from the SalkInstitute, Cell Distribution Center, San Diego, Calif., USA, may be usedin the hybridization. Generally, the technique involves fusing myelomacells and lymphoid cells using a fusogen such as polyethylene glycol, orby electrical means well known to those skilled in the art. After thefusion, the cells are separated from the fusion medium and grown in aselective growth medium, such as hypoxanthine-aminopterin-thymidine(HAT) medium, to eliminate unhybridized parent cells. Any of the mediadescribed herein, supplemented with or without serum, can be used forculturing hybridomas that secrete monoclonal antibodies. As anotheralternative to the cell fusion technique, EBV immortalized B cells maybe used to produce monoclonal antibodies (e.g., monoclonal the anti-CGRPantibodies) of the subject invention. The hybridomas are expanded andsubcloned, if desired, and supernatants are assayed for anti-immunogenactivity by conventional immunoassay procedures (e.g., radioimmunoassay,enzyme immunoassay, or fluorescence immunoassay).

Hybridomas that may be used as source of antibodies encompass allderivatives, progeny cells of the parent hybridomas that producemonoclonal antibodies specific for CGRP, or a portion thereof.

Hybridomas that produce such antibodies may be grown in vitro or in vivousing known procedures. The monoclonal antibodies may be isolated fromthe culture media or body fluids, by conventional immunoglobulinpurification procedures such as ammonium sulfate precipitation, gelelectrophoresis, dialysis, chromatography, and ultrafiltration, ifdesired. Undesired activity if present, can be removed, for example, byrunning the preparation over adsorbents made of the immunogen attachedto a solid phase and eluting or releasing the desired antibodies off theimmunogen. Immunization of a host animal with a human CGRP, or afragment containing the target amino acid sequence conjugated to aprotein that is immunogenic in the species to be immunized, e.g.,keyhole limpet hemocyanin, serum albumin, bovine thyroglobulin, orsoybean trypsin inhibitor using a bifunctional or derivatizing agent,for example maleimidobenzoyl sulfosuccinimide ester (conjugation throughcysteine residues), N-hydroxysuccinimide (through lysine residues),glutaradehyde, succinic anhydride, SOCl2, or R1 N═C═NR, where R and R1are different alkyl groups, can yield a population of antibodies (e.g.,monoclonal antibodies).

If desired, an antibody (e.g., monoclonal or polyclonal anti-CGRPantagonist antibody) of interest may be sequenced and the polynucleotidesequence may then be cloned into a vector for expression or propagation.The sequence encoding the antibody of interest may be maintained invector in a host cell and the host cell can then be expanded and frozenfor future use. In an alternative, the polynucleotide sequence may beused for genetic manipulation to “humanize” the antibody or to improvethe affinity, or other characteristics of the antibody. For example, theconstant region may be engineered to more resemble human constantregions to avoid immune response if the antibody is used in clinicaltrials and treatments in humans. It may be desirable to geneticallymanipulate the antibody sequence to obtain greater affinity to CGRP andgreater efficacy in inhibiting CGRP. It will be apparent to one of skillin the art that one or more polynucleotide changes can be made to theanti-CGRP antagonist antibody and still maintain its binding ability toCGRP.

Humanizing a monoclonal antibody can comprise four general steps. Theseare: (1) determining the nucleotide and predicted amino acid sequence ofthe starting antibody light and heavy variable domains (2) designing thehumanized antibody, i.e., deciding which antibody framework region touse during the humanizing process (3) the actual humanizingmethodologies/techniques and (4) the transfection and expression of thehumanized antibody. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,816,567;5,807,715; 5,866,692; 6,331,415; 5,530,101; 5,693,761; 5,693,762;5,585,089; and 6,180,370.

A number of “humanized” antibody molecules comprising an antigen-bindingsite derived from a non-human immunoglobulin have been described,including chimeric antibodies having rodent or modified rodent V regionsand their associated complementarity determining regions (CDRs) fused tohuman constant domains. See, for example, Winter et al. Nature349:293-299 (1991), Lobuglio et al. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA86:4220-4224 (1989), Shaw et al. J Immunol. 138:4534-4538 (1987), andBrown et al. Cancer Res. 47:3577-3583 (1987). Other references describerodent CDRs grafted into a human supporting framework region (FR) priorto fusion with an appropriate human antibody constant domain. See, forexample, Riechmann et al. Nature 332:323-327 (1988), Verhoeyen et al.Science 239:1534-1536 (1988), and Jones et al. Nature 321:522-525(1986). Another reference describes rodent CDRs supported byrecombinantly veneered rodent framework regions. See, for example,European Patent Publication No. 0519596. These “humanized” molecules aredesigned to minimize unwanted immunological response toward rodentanti-human antibody molecules which limits the duration andeffectiveness of therapeutic applications of those moieties in humanrecipients. For example, the antibody constant region can be engineeredsuch that it is immunologically inert (e.g., does not trigger complementlysis). See, e.g. PCT Publication No. PCT/GB99/01441; UK PatentApplication No. 9809951.8. Other methods of humanizing antibodies thatmay also be utilized are disclosed by Daugherty et al., Nucl. Acids Res.19:2471-2476 (1991) and in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,180,377; 6,054,297;5,997,867; 5,866,692; 6,210,671; and 6,350,861; and in PCT PublicationNo. WO 01/27160.

In yet another alternative, fully human antibodies may be obtained byusing commercially available mice that have been engineered to expressspecific human immunoglobulin proteins. Transgenic animals that aredesigned to produce a more desirable (e.g., fully human antibodies) ormore robust immune response may also be used for generation of humanizedor human antibodies. Examples of such technology are Xenomouse™ fromAbgenix, Inc. (Fremont, Calif.) and HuMAb-Mouse® and TC Mouse™ fromMedarex, Inc. (Princeton, N.J.).

In an alternative, antibodies may be made recombinantly and expressedusing any method known in the art. In another alternative, antibodiesmay be made recombinantly by phage display technology. See, for example,U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,565,332; 5,580,717; 5,733,743; and 6,265,150; andWinter et al., Annu. Rev. Immunol. 12:433-455 (1994). Alternatively, thephage display technology (McCafferty et al., Nature 348:552-553 (1990))can be used to produce human antibodies and antibody fragments in vitro,from immunoglobulin variable (V) domain gene repertoires fromunimmunized donors. According to this technique, antibody V domain genesare cloned in-frame into either a major or minor coat protein gene of afilamentous bacteriophage, such as M13 or fd, and displayed asfunctional antibody fragments on the surface of the phage particle.Because the filamentous particle contains a single-stranded DNA copy ofthe phage genome, selections based on the functional properties of theantibody also result in selection of the gene encoding the antibodyexhibiting those properties. Thus, the phage mimics some of theproperties of the B cell. Phage display can be performed in a variety offormats; for review see, e.g., Johnson, Kevin S. and Chiswell, David J.,Current Opinion in Structural Biology 3:564-571 (1993). Several sourcesof V-gene segments can be used for phage display. Clackson et al.,Nature 352:624-628 (1991) isolated a diverse array of anti-oxazoloneantibodies from a small random combinatorial library of V genes derivedfrom the spleens of immunized mice. A repertoire of V genes fromunimmunized human donors can be constructed and antibodies to a diversearray of antigens (including self-antigens) can be isolated essentiallyfollowing the techniques described by Mark et al., J. Mol. Biol.222:581-597 (1991), or Griffith et al., EMBO J. 12:725-734 (1993). In anatural immune response, antibody genes accumulate mutations at a highrate (somatic hypermutation). Some of the changes introduced will conferhigher affinity, and B cells displaying high-affinity surfaceimmunoglobulin are preferentially replicated and differentiated duringsubsequent antigen challenge. This natural process can be mimicked byemploying the technique known as “chain shuffling.” Marks, et al.,Bio/Technol. 10:779-783 (1992)). In this method, the affinity of“primary” human antibodies obtained by phage display can be improved bysequentially replacing the heavy and light chain V region genes withrepertoires of naturally occurring variants (repertoires) of V domaingenes obtained from unimmunized donors. This technique allows theproduction of antibodies and antibody fragments with affinities in thepM-nM range. A strategy for making very large phage antibody repertoires(also known as “the mother-of-all libraries”) has been described byWaterhouse et al., Nucl. Acids Res. 21:2265-2266 (1993). Gene shufflingcan also be used to derive human antibodies from rodent antibodies,where the human antibody has similar affinities and specificities to thestarting rodent antibody. According to this method, which is alsoreferred to as “epitope imprinting”, the heavy or light chain V domaingene of rodent antibodies obtained by phage display technique isreplaced with a repertoire of human V domain genes, creatingrodent-human chimeras. Selection on antigen results in isolation ofhuman variable regions capable of restoring a functional antigen-bindingsite, i.e., the epitope governs (imprints) the choice of partner. Whenthe process is repeated in order to replace the remaining rodent Vdomain, a human antibody is obtained (see PCT Publication No. WO93/06213, published Apr. 1, 1993). Unlike traditional humanization ofrodent antibodies by CDR grafting, this technique provides completelyhuman antibodies, which have no framework or CDR residues of rodentorigin.

It is apparent that although the above discussion pertains to humanizedantibodies, the general principles discussed are applicable tocustomizing antibodies for use, for example, in dogs, cats, primate,equines and bovines. It is further apparent that one or more aspects ofhumanizing an antibody described herein may be combined, e.g., CDRgrafting, framework mutation and CDR mutation.

Antibodies may be made recombinantly by first isolating the antibodiesand antibody producing cells from host animals, obtaining the genesequence, and using the gene sequence to express the antibodyrecombinantly in host cells (e.g., CHO cells). Another method which maybe employed is to express the antibody sequence in plants (e.g.,tobacco) or transgenic milk. Methods for expressing antibodiesrecombinantly in plants or milk have been disclosed. See, for example,Peeters, et al. Vaccine 19:2756 (2001); Lonberg, N. and D. Huszar Int.Rev. Immunol 13:65 (1995); and Pollock, et al., J Immunol Methods231:147 (1999). Methods for making derivatives of antibodies, e.g.,humanized, single chain, etc. are known in the art.

Immunoassays and flow cytometry sorting techniques such as fluorescenceactivated cell sorting (FACS) can also be employed to isolate antibodiesthat are specific for CGRP.

The antibodies can be bound to many different carriers. Carriers can beactive and/or inert. Examples of well-known carriers includepolypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene, dextran, nylon, amylases,glass, natural and modified celluloses, polyacrylamides, agaroses andmagnetite. The nature of the carrier can be either soluble or insoluble.Those skilled in the art will know of other suitable carriers forbinding antibodies, or will be able to ascertain such, using routineexperimentation. In some embodiments, the carrier comprises a moietythat targets the myocardium.

DNA encoding the monoclonal antibodies is readily isolated and sequencedusing conventional procedures (e.g., by using oligonucleotide probesthat are capable of binding specifically to genes encoding the heavy andlight chains of the monoclonal antibodies). The hybridoma cells serve asa preferred source of such DNA. Once isolated, the DNA may be placedinto expression vectors (such as expression vectors disclosed in PCTPublication No. WO 87/04462), which are then transfected into host cellssuch as E. coli cells, simian COS cells, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)cells, or myeloma cells that do not otherwise produce immunoglobulinprotein, to obtain the synthesis of monoclonal antibodies in therecombinant host cells. See, e.g., PCT Publication No. WO 87/04462. TheDNA also may be modified, for example, by substituting the codingsequence for human heavy and light chain constant domains in place ofthe homologous murine sequences, Morrison et al., Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci.81:6851 (1984), or by covalently joining to the immunoglobulin codingsequence all or part of the coding sequence for a non-immunoglobulinpolypeptide. In that manner, “chimeric” or “hybrid” antibodies areprepared that have the binding specificity of an anti-CGRP monoclonalantibody herein.

Antibodies (e.g., anti-CGRP antagonist antibodies) and polypeptidesderived from antibodies can be identified or characterized using methodsknown in the art, whereby reduction, amelioration, or neutralization ofan CGRP biological activity is detected and/or measured. For example,anti-CGRP antagonist antibody can also be identified by incubating acandidate agent with CGRP and monitoring any one or more of thefollowing characteristics: (a) bind to CGRP; (b) block CGRP from bindingto its receptor(s); (c) block or decrease CGRP receptor activation(including cAMP activation); (d) inhibit CGRP biological activity ordownstream pathways mediated by CGRP signaling function; (e) prevent,ameliorate, or treat any aspect of headache (e.g., migraine); (f)increase clearance of CGRP; and (g) inhibit (reduce) CGRP synthesis,production or release. In some embodiments, an anti-CGRP antagonistantibody or polypeptide is identified by incubating a candidate agentwith CGRP and monitoring binding and/or attendant reduction orneutralization of a biological activity of CGRP. The binding assay maybe performed with purified CGRP polypeptide(s), or with cells naturallyexpressing, or transfected to express, CGRP polypeptide(s). In oneembodiment, the binding assay is a competitive binding assay, where theability of a candidate antibody to compete with a known anti-CGRPantagonist for CGRP binding is evaluated. The assay may be performed invarious formats, including the ELISA format. In other embodiments, ananti-CGRP antagonist antibody is identified by incubating a candidateagent with CGRP and monitoring binding and attendant inhibition of CGRPreceptor activation expressed on the surface of a cell.

Following initial identification, the activity of a candidate antibody(e.g., anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) can be further confirmed andrefined by bioassays, known to test the targeted biological activities.Alternatively, bioassays can be used to screen candidates directly. Forexample, CGRP promotes a number of measurable changes in responsivecells. These include, but are not limited to, stimulation of cAMP in thecell (e.g., SK-N-MC cells). Antagonist activity may also be measuredusing animal models, such as measuring skin vasodilatation induced bystimulation of the rat saphenous nerve. Escott et al., Br. J. Pharmacol.110: 772-776, 1993. Animal models of headaches (such as, migraine) mayfurther be used for testing efficacy of antagonist antibodies orpolypeptides. Reuter, et al., Functional Neurology (15) Suppl. 3, 2000.Some of the methods for identifying and characterizing anti-CGRPantagonist antibody or polypeptide are described in detail in theExamples.

Antibodies, including anti-CGRP antagonist antibodies, may becharacterized using methods well known in the art. For example, onemethod is to identify the epitope to which it binds, or “epitopemapping.” There are many methods known in the art for mapping andcharacterizing the location of epitopes on proteins, including solvingthe crystal structure of an antibody-antigen complex, competitionassays, gene fragment expression assays, and synthetic peptide-basedassays, as described, for example, in Chapter 11 of Harlow and Lane,Using Antibodies, a Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor LaboratoryPress, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., 1999. In an additional example, epitopemapping can be used to determine the sequence to which an anti-CGRPantagonist antibody binds. Epitope mapping is commercially availablefrom various sources, for example, Pepscan Systems (Edelhertweg 15, 8219PH Lelystad, The Netherlands). The epitope can be a linear epitope,i.e., contained in a single stretch of amino acids, or a conformationalepitope formed by a three-dimensional interaction of amino acids thatmay not necessarily be contained in a single stretch. Peptides ofvarying lengths (e.g., at least 4-6 amino acids long) can be isolated orsynthesized (e.g., recombinantly) and used for binding assays with ananti-CGRP antagonist antibody. In another example, the epitope to whichthe anti-CGRP antagonist antibody binds can be determined in asystematic screening by using overlapping peptides derived from the CGRPsequence and determining binding by the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody.According to the gene fragment expression assays, the open reading frameencoding CGRP is fragmented either randomly or by specific geneticconstructions and the reactivity of the expressed fragments of CGRP withthe antibody to be tested is determined. The gene fragments may, forexample, be produced by PCR and then transcribed and translated intoprotein in vitro, in the presence of radioactive amino acids. Thebinding of the antibody to the radioactively labeled CGRP fragments isthen determined by immunoprecipitation and gel electrophoresis. Certainepitopes can also be identified by using large libraries of randompeptide sequences displayed on the surface of phage particles (phagelibraries). Alternatively, a defined library of overlapping peptidefragments can be tested for binding to the test antibody in simplebinding assays. In an additional example, mutagenesis of an antigenbinding domain, domain swapping experiments and alanine scanningmutagenesis can be performed to identify residues required, sufficient,and/or necessary for epitope binding. For example, domain swappingexperiments can be performed using a mutant CGRP in which variousfragments of the CGRP polypeptide have been replaced (swapped) withsequences from a closely related, but antigenically distinct protein(such as another member of the neurotrophin protein family). Byassessing binding of the antibody to the mutant CGRP, the importance ofthe particular CGRP fragment to antibody binding can be assessed.

Yet another method which can be used to characterize an antibody,including an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody, is to use competition assayswith other antibodies known to bind to the same antigen, i.e., variousfragments on CGRP, to determine if the anti-CGRP antagonist antibodybinds to the same epitope as other antibodies. Competition assays arewell known to those of skill in the art.

An expression vector can be used to direct expression of an antibody,including an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody. One skilled in the art isfamiliar with administration of expression vectors to obtain expressionof an exogenous protein in vivo. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,436,908;6,413,942; and 6,376,471. Administration of expression vectors includeslocal or systemic administration, including injection, oraladministration, particle gun or catheterized administration, and topicaladministration. In another embodiment, the expression vector isadministered directly to the sympathetic trunk or ganglion, or into acoronary artery, atrium, ventrical, or pericardium.

Targeted delivery of therapeutic compositions containing an expressionvector, or subgenomic polynucleotides can also be used.Receptor-mediated DNA delivery techniques are described in, for example,Findeis et al., Trends Biotechnol. (1993) 11:202; Chiou et al., GeneTherapeutics: Methods And Applications Of Direct Gene Transfer (J. A.Wolff, ed.) (1994); Wu et al., J. Biol. Chem. (1988) 263:621; Wu et al.,J. Biol. Chem. (1994) 269:542; Zenke et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA(1990) 87:3655; Wu et al., J. Biol. Chem. (1991) 266:338. Therapeuticcompositions containing a polynucleotide are administered in a range ofabout 100 ng to about 200 mg of DNA for local administration in a genetherapy protocol. Concentration ranges of about 500 ng to about 50 mg,about 1 μg to about 2 mg, about 5 μg to about 500 μg, and about 20 μg toabout 100 μg of DNA can also be used during a gene therapy protocol. Thetherapeutic polynucleotides and polypeptides can be delivered using genedelivery vehicles. The gene delivery vehicle can be of viral ornon-viral origin (see generally, Jolly, Cancer Gene Therapy (1994) 1:51;Kimura, Human Gene Therapy (1994) 5:845; Connelly, Human Gene Therapy(1995) 1:185; and Kaplitt, Nature Genetics (1994) 6:148). Expression ofsuch coding sequences can be induced using endogenous mammalian orheterologous promoters. Expression of the coding sequence can be eitherconstitutive or regulated.

Viral-based vectors for delivery of a desired polynucleotide andexpression in a desired cell are well known in the art. Exemplaryviral-based vehicles include, but are not limited to, recombinantretroviruses (see, e.g., PCT Publication Nos. WO 90/07936; WO 94/03622;WO 93/25698; WO 93/25234; WO 93/11230; WO 93/10218; WO 91/02805; U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,219,740 and 4,777,127; GB Patent No. 2,200,651; and EPPatent No. 0 345 242), alphavirus-based vectors (e.g., Sindbis virusvectors, Semliki forest virus (ATCC VR-67; ATCC VR-1247), Ross Rivervirus (ATCC VR-373; ATCC VR-1246) and Venezuelan equine encephalitisvirus (ATCC VR-923; ATCC VR-1250; ATCC VR 1249; ATCC VR-532)), andadeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors (see, e.g., PCT Publication Nos. WO94/12649, WO 93/03769; WO 93/19191; WO 94/28938; WO 95/11984 and WO95/00655). Administration of DNA linked to killed adenovirus asdescribed in Curiel, Hum. Gene Ther. (1992) 3:147 can also be employed.

Non-viral delivery vehicles and methods can also be employed, including,but not limited to, polycationic condensed DNA linked or unlinked tokilled adenovirus alone (see, e.g., Curiel, Hum. Gene Ther. (1992)3:147); ligand-linked DNA (see, e.g., Wu, J. Biol. Chem. (1989)264:16985); eukaryotic cell delivery vehicles cells (see, e.g., U.S.Pat. No. 5,814,482; PCT Publication Nos. WO 95/07994; WO 96/17072; WO95/30763; and WO 97/42338) and nucleic charge neutralization or fusionwith cell membranes. Naked DNA can also be employed. Exemplary naked DNAintroduction methods are described in PCT Publication No. WO 90/11092and U.S. Pat. No. 5,580,859. Liposomes that can act as gene deliveryvehicles are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,422,120; PCT Publication Nos.WO 95/13796; WO 94/23697; WO 91/14445; and EP 0524968. Additionalapproaches are described in Philip, Mol. Cell Biol. (1994) 14:2411, andin Woffendin, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (1994) 91:1581.

C. Antibody G1 and Related Antibodies, Polypeptides, Polynucleotides,Vectors and Host Cells

This invention encompasses compositions, including pharmaceuticalcompositions, comprising antibody G1 and its variants shown in Table 6or polypeptide derived from antibody G1 and its variants shown in Table6; and polynucleotides comprising sequences encoding G1 and its variantsor the polypeptide. In some embodiments, compositions comprise one ormore antibodies or polypeptides (which may or may not be an antibody)that bind to CGRP, and/or one or more polynucleotides comprisingsequences encoding one or more antibodies or polypeptides that bind toCGRP. These compositions may further comprise suitable excipients, suchas pharmaceutically acceptable excipients including buffers, which arewell known in the art.

In some embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibodies andpolypeptides of the invention are characterized by any (one or more) ofthe following characteristics: (a) bind to CGRP; (b) block CGRP frombinding to its receptor(s); (c) block or decrease CGRP receptoractivation (including cAMP activation); (d) inhibit CGRP biologicalactivity or downstream pathways mediated by CGRP signaling function; (e)prevent, ameliorate, or treat any aspect of headache (e.g., migraine);(f) increase clearance of CGRP; and (g) inhibit (reduce) CGRP synthesis,production or release.

In some embodiments, the invention provides any of the following, orcompositions (including pharmaceutical compositions) comprising any ofthe following: (a) antibody G1 or its variants shown in Table 6; (b) afragment or a region of antibody G1 or its variants shown in Table 6;(c) a light chain of antibody G1 or its variants shown in Table 6; (d) aheavy chain of antibody G1 or its variants shown in Table 6; (e) one ormore variable region(s) from a light chain and/or a heavy chain ofantibody G1 or its variants shown in Table 6; (f) one or more CDR(s)(one, two, three, four, five or six CDRs) of antibody G1 or its variantsshown in Table 6; (g) CDR H3 from the heavy chain of antibody G1; (h)CDR L3 from the light chain of antibody G1 or its variants shown inTable 6; (i) three CDRs from the light chain of antibody G1 or itsvariants shown in Table 6; (j) three CDRs from the heavy chain ofantibody G1 or its variants shown in Table 6; (k) three CDRs from thelight chain and three CDRs from the heavy chain, of antibody G1 or itsvariants shown in Table 6; and (l) an antibody comprising any one of (b)through (k). In some embodiments, the invention also providespolypeptides comprising any one or more of the above.

The CDR portions of antibody G1 (including Chothia and Kabat CDRs) arediagrammatically depicted in FIG. 5. Determination of CDR regions iswell within the skill of the art. It is understood that in someembodiments, CDRs can be a combination of the Kabat and Chothia CDR(also termed “combined CDRs” or “extended CDRs”). In some embodiments,the CDRs are the Kabat CDRs. In other embodiments, the CDRs are theChothia CDRs. In other words, in embodiments with more than one CDR, theCDRs may be any of Kabat, Chothia, combination CDRs, or combinationsthereof.

In some embodiments, the invention provides a polypeptide (which may ormay not be an antibody) which comprises at least one CDR, at least two,at least three, or at least four, at least five, or all six CDRs thatare substantially identical to at least one CDR, at least two, at leastthree, at least four, at least five or all six CDRs of G1 or itsvariants shown in Table 6. Other embodiments include antibodies whichhave at least two, three, four, five, or six CDR(s) that aresubstantially identical to at least two, three, four, five or six CDRsof G1 or derived from G1. In some embodiments, the at least one, two,three, four, five, or six CDR(s) are at least about 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%,89%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to at least one, two,three, four, five or six CDRs of G1 or its variants shown in Table 6. Itis understood that, for purposes of this invention, binding specificityand/or overall activity is generally retained, although the extent ofactivity may vary compared to G1 or its variants shown in Table 6 (maybe greater or lesser).

In some embodiments, the invention also provides a polypeptide (whichmay or may not be an antibody) which comprises an amino acid sequence ofG1 or its variants shown in Table 6 that has any of the following: atleast 5 contiguous amino acids, at least 8 contiguous amino acids, atleast about 10 contiguous amino acids, at least about 15 contiguousamino acids, at least about 20 contiguous amino acids, at least about 25contiguous amino acids, at least about 30 contiguous amino acids of asequence of G1 or its variants shown in Table 6, wherein at least 3 ofthe amino acids are from a variable region of G1 (FIG. 5) or itsvariants shown in Table 6. In one embodiment, the variable region isfrom a light chain of G1. In another embodiment, the variable region isfrom a heavy chain of G1. An exemplary polypeptide has contiguous aminoacid (lengths described above) from both the heavy and light chainvariable regions of G1. In another embodiment, the 5 (or more)contiguous amino acids are from a complementarity determining region(CDR) of G1 shown in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, the contiguous aminoacids are from a variable region of G1.

The binding affinity (K_(D)) of an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody andpolypeptide to CGRP (such as human α-CGRP) can be about 0.06 to about200 nM. In some embodiments, the binding affinity is any of about 200nM, 100 nM, about 50 nM, about 10 nM, about 1 nM, about 500 pM, about100 pM, about 60 pM, about 50 pM, about 20 pM, about 15 pM, about 10 pM,about 5 pM, or about 2 pM. In some embodiments, the binding affinity isless than any of about 250 nM, about 200 nM, about 100 nM, about 50 nM,about 10 nM, about 1 nM, about 500 pM, about 100 pM, or about 50 pM.

In some embodiments, the invention also provides methods of making anyof these antibodies or polypeptides. The antibodies of this inventioncan be made by procedures known in the art. The polypeptides can beproduced by proteolytic or other degradation of the antibodies, byrecombinant methods (i.e., single or fusion polypeptides) as describedabove or by chemical synthesis. Polypeptides of the antibodies,especially shorter polypeptides up to about 50 amino acids, areconveniently made by chemical synthesis. Methods of chemical synthesisare known in the art and are commercially available. For example, anantibody could be produced by an automated polypeptide synthesizeremploying the solid phase method. See also, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,807,715;4,816,567; and 6,331,415.

In another alternative, the antibodies can be made recombinantly usingprocedures that are well known in the art. In one embodiment, apolynucleotide comprises a sequence encoding the heavy chain and/or thelight chain variable regions of antibody G1 shown in SEQ ID NO:9 and SEQID NO:10. In another embodiment, the polynucleotide comprising thenucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:9 and SEQ ID NO:10 are clonedinto one or more vectors for expression or propagation. The sequenceencoding the antibody of interest may be maintained in a vector in ahost cell and the host cell can then be expanded and frozen for futureuse. Vectors (including expression vectors) and host cells are furtherdescribed herein.

In some embodiments, the invention also encompasses single chainvariable region fragments (“scFv”) of antibodies of this invention, suchas G1. Single chain variable region fragments are made by linking lightand/or heavy chain variable regions by using a short linking peptide.Bird et al. (1988) Science 242:423-426. An example of a linking peptideis (GGGGS)3 (SEQ ID NO: 57) which bridges approximately 3.5 nm betweenthe carboxy terminus of one variable region and the amino terminus ofthe other variable region. Linkers of other sequences have been designedand used. Bird et al. (1988). Linkers can in turn be modified foradditional functions, such as attachment of drugs or attachment to solidsupports. The single chain variants can be produced either recombinantlyor synthetically. For synthetic production of scFv, an automatedsynthesizer can be used. For recombinant production of scFv, a suitableplasmid containing polynucleotide that encodes the scFv can beintroduced into a suitable host cell, either eukaryotic, such as yeast,plant, insect or mammalian cells, or prokaryotic, such as E. coli.Polynucleotides encoding the scFv of interest can be made by routinemanipulations such as ligation of polynucleotides. The resultant scFvcan be isolated using standard protein purification techniques known inthe art.

Other forms of single chain antibodies, such as diabodies are alsoencompassed. Diabodies are bivalent, bispecific antibodies in whichV_(H) and V_(L) domains are expressed on a single polypeptide chain, butusing a linker that is too short to allow for pairing between the twodomains on the same chain, thereby forcing the domains to pair withcomplementary domains of another chain and creating two antigen bindingsites (see e.g., Holliger, P., et al. (1993) Proc. Natl. Acad Sci. USA90:6444-6448; Poljak, R. J., et al. (1994) Structure 2:1121-1123).

For example, bispecific antibodies, monoclonal antibodies that havebinding specificities for at least two different antigens, can beprepared using the antibodies disclosed herein. Methods for makingbispecific antibodies are known in the art (see, e.g., Suresh et al.,1986, Methods in Enzymology 121:210). Traditionally, the recombinantproduction of bispecific antibodies was based on the coexpression of twoimmunoglobulin heavy chain-light chain pairs, with the two heavy chainshaving different specificities (Millstein and Cuello, 1983, Nature 305,537-539).

According to one approach to making bispecific antibodies, antibodyvariable domains with the desired binding specificities(antibody-antigen combining sites) are fused to immunoglobulin constantdomain sequences. The fusion preferably is with an immunoglobulin heavychain constant domain, comprising at least part of the hinge, CH2 andCH3 regions. It is preferred to have the first heavy chain constantregion (CH1), containing the site necessary for light chain binding,present in at least one of the fusions. DNAs encoding the immunoglobulinheavy chain fusions and, if desired, the immunoglobulin light chain, areinserted into separate expression vectors, and are cotransfected into asuitable host organism. This provides for great flexibility in adjustingthe mutual proportions of the three polypeptide fragments in embodimentswhen unequal ratios of the three polypeptide chains used in theconstruction provide the optimum yields. It is, however, possible toinsert the coding sequences for two or all three polypeptide chains inone expression vector when the expression of at least two polypeptidechains in equal ratios results in high yields or when the ratios are ofno particular significance.

In one approach, the bispecific antibodies are composed of a hybridimmunoglobulin heavy chain with a first binding specificity in one arm,and a hybrid immunoglobulin heavy chain-light chain pair (providing asecond binding specificity) in the other arm. This asymmetric structure,with an immunoglobulin light chain in only one half of the bispecificmolecule, facilitates the separation of the desired bispecific compoundfrom unwanted immunoglobulin chain combinations. This approach isdescribed in PCT Publication No. WO 94/04690, published Mar. 3, 1994.

Heteroconjugate antibodies, comprising two covalently joined antibodies,are also within the scope of the invention. Such antibodies have beenused to target immune system cells to unwanted cells (U.S. Pat. No.4,676,980), and for treatment of HIV infection (PCT applicationpublication Nos. WO 91/00360 and WO 92/200373; EP 03089).Heteroconjugate antibodies may be made using any convenientcross-linking methods. Suitable cross-linking agents and techniques arewell known in the art, and are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,980.

Chimeric or hybrid antibodies also may be prepared in vitro using knownmethods of synthetic protein chemistry, including those involvingcross-linking agents. For example, immunotoxins may be constructed usinga disulfide exchange reaction or by forming a thioether bond. Examplesof suitable reagents for this purpose include iminothiolate andmethyl-4-mercaptobutyrimidate.

Humanized antibody comprising one or more CDRs of antibody G1 or itsvariants shown in Table 6, or one or more CDRs derived from antibody G1or its variants shown in Table 6 can be made using any methods known inthe art. For example, four general steps may be used to humanize amonoclonal antibody.

In some embodiments, the invention encompasses modifications to antibodyG1 or its variants shown in Table 6, including functionally equivalentantibodies which do not significantly affect their properties andvariants which have enhanced or decreased activity and/or affinity. Forexample, the amino acid sequence of antibody G1 or its variants shown inTable 6 may be mutated to obtain an antibody with the desired bindingaffinity to CGRP. Modification of polypeptides is routine practice inthe art and need not be described in detail herein. Modification ofpolypeptides is exemplified in the Examples. Examples of modifiedpolypeptides include polypeptides with conservative substitutions ofamino acid residues, one or more deletions or additions of amino acidswhich do not significantly deleteriously change the functional activity,or use of chemical analogs.

Amino acid sequence insertions include amino- and/or carboxyl-terminalfusions ranging in length from one residue to polypeptides containing ahundred or more residues, as well as intrasequence insertions of singleor multiple amino acid residues. Examples of terminal insertions includean antibody with an N-terminal methionyl residue or the antibody fusedto an epitope tag. Other insertional variants of the antibody moleculeinclude the fusion to the N- or C-terminus of the antibody of an enzymeor a polypeptide which increases the serum half-life of the antibody.

Substitution variants have at least one amino acid residue in theantibody molecule removed and a different residue inserted in its place.The sites of greatest interest for substitutional mutagenesis includethe hypervariable regions, but FR alterations are also contemplated.Conservative substitutions are shown in Table 1 under the heading of“conservative substitutions”. If such substitutions result in a changein biological activity, then more substantial changes, denominated“exemplary substitutions” in Table 1, or as further described below inreference to amino acid classes, may be introduced and the productsscreened.

TABLE 1 Amino Acid Substitutions Conservative Exemplary Original ResidueSubstitutions Substitutions Ala (A) Val Val; Leu; Ile Arg (R) Lys Lys;Gln; Asn Asn (N) Gln Gln; His; Asp, Lys; Arg Asp (D) Glu Glu; Asn Cys(C) Ser Ser; Ala Gln (Q) Asn Asn; Glu Glu (E) Asp Asp; Gln Gly (G) AlaAla His (H) Arg Asn; Gln; Lys; Arg Ile (I) Leu Leu; Val; Met; Ala; Phe;Norleucine Leu (L) Ile Norleucine; Ile; Val; Met; Ala; Phe Lys (K) ArgArg; Gln; Asn Met (M) Leu Leu; Phe; Ile Phe (F) Tyr Leu; Val; Ile; Ala;Tyr Pro (P) Ala Ala Ser (S) Thr Thr Thr (T) Ser Ser Trp (W) Tyr Tyr; PheTyr (Y) Phe Trp; Phe; Thr; Ser Val (V) Leu Ile; Leu; Met; Phe; Ala;Norleucine

Substantial modifications in the biological properties of the antibodyare accomplished by selecting substitutions that differ significantly intheir effect on maintaining (a) the structure of the polypeptidebackbone in the area of the substitution, for example, as a sheet orhelical conformation, (b) the charge or hydrophobicity of the moleculeat the target site, or (c) the bulk of the side chain. Naturallyoccurring residues are divided into groups based on common side-chainproperties:

-   -   (1) Non-polar: Norleucine, Met, Ala, Val, Leu, Ile;    -   (2) Polar without charge: Cys, Ser, Thr, Asn, Gln;    -   (3) Acidic (negatively charged): Asp, Glu;    -   (4) Basic (positively charged): Lys, Arg;    -   (5) Residues that influence chain orientation: Gly, Pro; and    -   (6) Aromatic: Trp, Tyr, Phe, His.

Non-conservative substitutions are made by exchanging a member of one ofthese classes for another class.

Any cysteine residue not involved in maintaining the proper conformationof the antibody also may be substituted, generally with serine, toimprove the oxidative stability of the molecule and prevent aberrantcross-linking. Conversely, cysteine bond(s) may be added to the antibodyto improve its stability, particularly where the antibody is an antibodyfragment such as an Fv fragment.

Amino acid modifications can range from changing or modifying one ormore amino acids to complete redesign of a region, such as the variableregion. Changes in the variable region can alter binding affinity and/orspecificity. In some embodiments, no more than one to five conservativeamino acid substitutions are made within a CDR domain. In otherembodiments, no more than one to three conservative amino acidsubstitutions are made within a CDR domain. In still other embodiments,the CDR domain is CDR H3 and/or CDR L3.

Modifications also include glycosylated and nonglycosylatedpolypeptides, as well as polypeptides with other post-translationalmodifications, such as, for example, glycosylation with differentsugars, acetylation, and phosphorylation. Antibodies are glycosylated atconserved positions in their constant regions (Jefferis and Lund, 1997,Chem. Immunol. 65:111-128; Wright and Morrison, 1997, TibTECH 15:26-32).The oligosaccharide side chains of the immunoglobulins affect theprotein's function (Boyd et al., 1996, Mol. Immunol. 32:1311-1318;Wittwe and Howard, 1990, Biochem. 29:4175-4180) and the intramolecularinteraction between portions of the glycoprotein, which can affect theconformation and presented three-dimensional surface of the glycoprotein(Hefferis and Lund, supra; Wyss and Wagner, 1996, Current Opin. Biotech.7:409-416). Oligosaccharides may also serve to target a givenglycoprotein to certain molecules based upon specific recognitionstructures. Glycosylation of antibodies has also been reported to affectantibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). In particular, CHOcells with tetracycline-regulated expression ofβ(1,4)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III (GnTIII), aglycosyltransferase catalyzing formation of bisecting GlcNAc, wasreported to have improved ADCC activity (Umana et al., 1999, MatureBiotech. 17:176-180).

Glycosylation of antibodies is typically either N-linked or O-linked.N-linked refers to the attachment of the carbohydrate moiety to the sidechain of an asparagine residue. The tripeptide sequencesasparagine-X-serine, asparagine-X-threonine, and asparagine-X-cysteine,where X is any amino acid except proline, are the recognition sequencesfor enzymatic attachment of the carbohydrate moiety to the asparagineside chain. Thus, the presence of either of these tripeptide sequencesin a polypeptide creates a potential glycosylation site. O-linkedglycosylation refers to the attachment of one of the sugarsN-acetylgalactosamine, galactose, or xylose to a hydroxyamino acid, mostcommonly serine or threonine, although 5-hydroxyproline or5-hydroxylysine may also be used.

Addition of glycosylation sites to the antibody is convenientlyaccomplished by altering the amino acid sequence such that it containsone or more of the above-described tripeptide sequences (for N-linkedglycosylation sites). The alteration may also be made by the additionof, or substitution by, one or more serine or threonine residues to thesequence of the original antibody (for O-linked glycosylation sites).

The glycosylation pattern of antibodies may also be altered withoutaltering the underlying nucleotide sequence. Glycosylation largelydepends on the host cell used to express the antibody. Since the celltype used for expression of recombinant glycoproteins, e.g. antibodies,as potential therapeutics is rarely the native cell, variations in theglycosylation pattern of the antibodies can be expected (see, e.g. Hseet al., 1997, J. Biol. Chem. 272:9062-9070).

In addition to the choice of host cells, factors that affectglycosylation during recombinant production of antibodies include growthmode, media formulation, culture density, oxygenation, pH, purificationschemes and the like. Various methods have been proposed to alter theglycosylation pattern achieved in a particular host organism includingintroducing or overexpressing certain enzymes involved inoligosaccharide production (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,047,335; 5,510,261 and5.278,299). Glycosylation, or certain types of glycosylation, can beenzymatically removed from the glycoprotein, for example usingendoglycosidase H (Endo H), N-glycosidase F, endoglycosidase F1,endoglycosidase F2, endoglycosidase F3. In addition, the recombinanthost cell can be genetically engineered to be defective in processingcertain types of polysaccharides. These and similar techniques are wellknown in the art.

Other methods of modification include using coupling techniques known inthe art, including, but not limited to, enzymatic means, oxidativesubstitution and chelation. Modifications can be used, for example, forattachment of labels for immunoassay. Modified G1 polypeptides can bemade using established procedures in the art and can be screened usingstandard assays known in the art, some of which are described below andin the Examples.

In some embodiments of the invention, the antibody comprises a modifiedconstant region, such as a constant region that is immunologically inertor partially inert, e.g., does not trigger complement mediated lysis,does not stimulate antibody-dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC),or does not activate microglia; or have reduced activities (compared tothe unmodified antibody) in any one or more of the following: triggeringcomplement mediated lysis, stimulating antibody-dependent cell mediatedcytotoxicity (ADCC), or activating microglia. Different modifications ofthe constant region may be used to achieve optimal level and/orcombination of effector functions. See, for example, Morgan et al.,Immunology 86:319-324 (1995); Lund et al., J. Immunology 157:4963-9157:4963-4969 (1996); Idusogie et al., J. Immunology 164:4178-4184(2000); Tao et al., J. Immunology 143: 2595-2601 (1989); and Jefferis etal., Immunological Reviews 163:59-76 (1998). In some embodiments, theconstant region is modified as described in Eur. J. Immunol. (1999)29:2613-2624; PCT Application No. PCT/GB99/01441; and/or UK PatentApplication No. 9809951.8. In other embodiments, the antibody comprisesa human heavy chain IgG2 constant region comprising the followingmutations: A330P331 to S330S331 (amino acid numbering with reference tothe wildtype IgG2 sequence). Eur. J. Immunol. (1999) 29:2613-2624. Instill other embodiments, the constant region is aglycosylated forN-linked glycosylation. In some embodiments, the constant region isaglycosylated for N-linked glycosylation by mutating the glycosylatedamino acid residue or flanking residues that are part of theN-glycosylation recognition sequence in the constant region. Forexample, N-glycosylation site N297 may be mutated to A, Q, K, or H. See,Tao et al., J. Immunology 143: 2595-2601 (1989); and Jefferis et al.,Immunological Reviews 163:59-76 (1998). In some embodiments, theconstant region is aglycosylated for N-linked glycosylation. Theconstant region may be aglycosylated for N-linked glycosylationenzymatically (such as removing carbohydrate by enzyme PNGase), or byexpression in a glycosylation deficient host cell.

Other antibody modifications include antibodies that have been modifiedas described in PCT Publication No. WO 99/58572, published Nov. 18,1999. These antibodies comprise, in addition to a binding domaindirected at the target molecule, an effector domain having an amino acidsequence substantially homologous to all or part of a constant domain ofa human immunoglobulin heavy chain. These antibodies are capable ofbinding the target molecule without triggering significant complementdependent lysis, or cell-mediated destruction of the target. In someembodiments, the effector domain is capable of specifically binding FcRnand/or FcγRIIb. These are typically based on chimeric domains derivedfrom two or more human immunoglobulin heavy chain C_(H)2 domains.Antibodies modified in this manner are particularly suitable for use inchronic antibody therapy, to avoid inflammatory and other adversereactions to conventional antibody therapy.

In some embodiments, the invention includes affinity maturedembodiments. For example, affinity matured antibodies can be produced byprocedures known in the art (Marks et al., 1992, Bio/Technology,10:779-783; Barbas et al., 1994, Proc Nat. Acad. Sci, USA 91:3809-3813;Schier et al., 1995, Gene, 169:147-155; Yelton et al., 1995, J.Immunol., 155:1994-2004; Jackson et al., 1995, J. Immunol.,154(7):3310-9; Hawkins et al, 1992, J. Mol. Biol., 226:889-896; andWO2004/058184).

The following methods may be used for adjusting the affinity of anantibody and for characterizing a CDR. One way of characterizing a CDRof an antibody and/or altering (such as improving) the binding affinityof a polypeptide, such as an antibody, termed “library scanningmutagenesis”. Generally, library scanning mutagenesis works as follows.One or more amino acid positions in the CDR are replaced with two ormore (such as 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18,19, or 20) amino acids using art recognized methods. This generatessmall libraries of clones (in some embodiments, one for every amino acidposition that is analyzed), each with a complexity of two or moremembers (if two or more amino acids are substituted at every position).Generally, the library also includes a clone comprising the native(unsubstituted) amino acid. A small number of clones, e.g., about 20-80clones (depending on the complexity of the library), from each libraryare screened for binding affinity to the target polypeptide (or otherbinding target), and candidates with increased, the same, decreased orno binding are identified. Methods for determining binding affinity arewell-known in the art. Binding affinity may be determined using Biacoresurface plasmon resonance analysis, which detects differences in bindingaffinity of about 2-fold or greater. Biacore is particularly useful whenthe starting antibody already binds with a relatively high affinity, forexample a KID of about 10 nM or lower. Screening using Biacore surfaceplasmon resonance is described in the Examples, herein.

Binding affinity may be determined using Kinexa Biocensor, scintillationproximity assays, ELISA, ORIGEN immunoassay (IGEN), fluorescencequenching, fluorescence transfer, and/or yeast display. Binding affinitymay also be screened using a suitable bioassay.

In some embodiments, every amino acid position in a CDR is replaced (insome embodiments, one at a time) with all 20 natural amino acids usingart recognized mutagenesis methods (some of which are described herein).This generates small libraries of clones (in some embodiments, one forevery amino acid position that is analyzed), each with a complexity of20 members (if all 20 amino acids are substituted at every position).

In some embodiments, the library to be screened comprises substitutionsin two or more positions, which may be in the same CDR or in two or moreCDRs. Thus, the library may comprise substitutions in two or morepositions in one CDR. The library may comprise substitution in two ormore positions in two or more CDRs. The library may comprisesubstitution in 3, 4, 5, or more positions, said positions found in two,three, four, five or six CDRs. The substitution may be prepared usinglow redundancy codons. See, e.g., Table 2 of Balint et al., (1993) Gene137(1):109-18).

The CDR may be CDRH3 and/or CDRL3. The CDR may be one or more of CDRL1,CDRL2, CDRL3, CDRH1, CDRH2, and/or CDRH3. The CDR may be a Kabat CDR, aChothia CDR, or an extended CDR.

Candidates with improved binding may be sequenced, thereby identifying aCDR substitution mutant which results in improved affinity (also termedan “improved” substitution). Candidates that bind may also be sequenced,thereby identifying a CDR substitution which retains binding.

Multiple rounds of screening may be conducted. For example, candidates(each comprising an amino acid substitution at one or more position ofone or more CDR) with improved binding are also useful for the design ofa second library containing at least the original and substituted aminoacid at each improved CDR position (i.e., amino acid position in the CDRat which a substitution mutant showed improved binding). Preparation,and screening or selection of this library is discussed further below.

Library scanning mutagenesis also provides a means for characterizing aCDR, in so far as the frequency of clones with improved binding, thesame binding, decreased binding or no binding also provide informationrelating to the importance of each amino acid position for the stabilityof the antibody-antigen complex. For example, if a position of the CDRretains binding when changed to all 20 amino acids, that position isidentified as a position that is unlikely to be required for antigenbinding. Conversely, if a position of CDR retains binding in only asmall percentage of substitutions, that position is identified as aposition that is important to CDR function. Thus, the library scanningmutagenesis methods generate information regarding positions in the CDRsthat can be changed to many different amino acids (including all 20amino acids), and positions in the CDRs which cannot be changed or whichcan only be changed to a few amino acids.

Candidates with improved affinity may be combined in a second library,which includes the improved amino acid, the original amino acid at thatposition, and may further include additional substitutions at thatposition, depending on the complexity of the library that is desired, orpermitted using the desired screening or selection method. In addition,if desired, adjacent amino acid position can be randomized to at leasttwo or more amino acids. Randomization of adjacent amino acids maypermit additional conformational flexibility in the mutant CDR, whichmay in turn, permit or facilitate the introduction of a larger number ofimproving mutations. The library may also comprise substitution atpositions that did not show improved affinity in the first round ofscreening.

The second library is screened or selected for library members withimproved and/or altered binding affinity using any method known in theart, including screening using Biacore surface plasmon resonanceanalysis, and selection using any method known in the art for selection,including phage display, yeast display, and ribosome display.

In some embodiments, the invention also encompasses fusion proteinscomprising one or more fragments or regions from the antibodies (such asG1) or polypeptides of this invention. In one embodiment, a fusionpolypeptide is provided that comprises at least 10 contiguous aminoacids of the variable light chain region shown in SEQ ID NO:2 (FIG. 5)and/or at least 10 amino acids of the variable heavy chain region shownin SEQ ID NO:1 (FIG. 5). In other embodiments, a fusion polypeptide isprovided that comprises at least about 10, at least about 15, at leastabout 20, at least about 25, or at least about 30 contiguous amino acidsof the variable light chain region shown in SEQ ID NO:2 (FIG. 5) and/orat least about 10, at least about 15, at least about 20, at least about25, or at least about 30 contiguous amino acids of the variable heavychain region shown in SEQ ID NO:1 (FIG. 5). In another embodiment, thefusion polypeptide comprises a light chain variable region and/or aheavy chain variable region of G1, as shown in SEQ ID NO:2 and SEQ IDNO:1 of FIG. 5. In another embodiment, the fusion polypeptide comprisesone or more CDR(s) of G1. In still other embodiments, the fusionpolypeptide comprises CDR H3 and/or CDR L3 of antibody G1. For purposesof this invention, an G1 fusion protein contains one or more G1antibodies and another amino acid sequence to which it is not attachedin the native molecule, for example, a heterologous sequence or ahomologous sequence from another region. Exemplary heterologoussequences include, but are not limited to a “tag” such as a FLAG tag ora 6His tag (SEQ ID NO: 56). Tags are well known in the art.

A G1 fusion polypeptide can be created by methods known in the art, forexample, synthetically or recombinantly. Typically, the G1 fusionproteins of this invention are made by preparing an expressing apolynucleotide encoding them using recombinant methods described herein,although they may also be prepared by other means known in the art,including, for example, chemical synthesis.

In some aspects, this invention also provides compositions comprisingantibodies or polypeptides derived from G1 conjugated (for example,linked) to an agent that facilitate coupling to a solid support (such asbiotin or avidin). For simplicity, reference will be made generally toG1 or antibodies with the understanding that these methods apply to anyof the CGRP binding embodiments described herein. Conjugation generallyrefers to linking these components as described herein. The linking(which is generally fixing these components in proximate association atleast for administration) can be achieved in any number of ways. Forexample, a direct reaction between an agent and an antibody is possiblewhen each possesses a substituent capable of reacting with the other.For example, a nucleophilic group, such as an amino or sulfhydryl group,on one may be capable of reacting with a carbonyl-containing group, suchas an anhydride or an acid halide, or with an alkyl group containing agood leaving group (e.g., a halide) on the other.

An antibody or polypeptide may be linked to a labeling agent(alternatively termed “label”) such as a fluorescent molecule, aradioactive molecule or any others labels known in the art. Labels areknown in the art which generally provide (either directly or indirectly)a signal.

In some embodiments, the invention also provides compositions (includingpharmaceutical compositions) and kits comprising antibody G1, and/or anyor all of the antibodies or polypeptides described herein.

In some embodiments, the invention also provides isolatedpolynucleotides encoding the antibodies and polypeptides of theinvention (including an antibody comprising the polypeptide sequences ofthe light chain and heavy chain variable regions shown in FIG. 5), andvectors and host cells comprising the polynucleotide.

In some embodiments, the invention provides polynucleotides (orcompositions, including pharmaceutical compositions), comprisingpolynucleotides encoding any of the following: (a) antibody G1 or itsvariants shown in Table 6; (b) a fragment or a region of antibody G1 orits variants shown in Table 6; (c) a light chain of antibody G1 or itsvariants shown in Table 6; (d) a heavy chain of antibody G1 or itsvariants shown in Table 6; (e) one or more variable region(s) from alight chain and/or a heavy chain of antibody G1 or its variants shown inTable 6; (0 one or more CDR(s) (one, two, three, four, five or six CDRs)of antibody G1 or its variants shown in Table 6; (g) CDR H3 from theheavy chain of antibody G1; (h) CDR L3 from the light chain of antibodyG1 or its variants shown in Table 6; (i) three CDRs from the light chainof antibody G1 or its variants shown in Table 6; (j) three CDRs from theheavy chain of antibody G1 or its variants shown in Table 6; (k) threeCDRs from the light chain and three CDRs from the heavy chain, ofantibody G1 or its variants shown in Table 6; and (l) an antibodycomprising any one of (b) through (k). In some embodiments, thepolynucleotide comprises either or both of the polynucleotide(s) shownin SEQ ID NO: 9 and SEQ ID NO: 10.

In another aspect, the invention provides polynucleotides encoding anyof the antibodies (including antibody fragments) and polypeptidesdescribed herein, such as antibodies and polypeptides having impairedeffector function. Polynucleotides can be made by procedures known inthe art.

In another aspect, the invention provides compositions (such as apharmaceutical compositions) comprising any of the polynucleotides ofthe invention. In some embodiments, the composition comprises anexpression vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding the G1 antibodyas described herein. In other embodiment, the composition comprises anexpression vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding any of theantibodies or polypeptides described herein. In still other embodiments,the composition comprises either or both of the polynucleotides shown inSEQ ID NO:9 and SEQ ID NO:10. Expression vectors, and administration ofpolynucleotide compositions are further described herein.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method of making any of thepolynucleotides described herein.

Polynucleotides complementary to any such sequences are also encompassedby the present invention. Polynucleotides may be single-stranded (codingor antisense) or double-stranded, and may be DNA (genomic, cDNA orsynthetic) or RNA molecules. RNA molecules include HnRNA molecules,which contain introns and correspond to a DNA molecule in a one-to-onemanner, and mRNA molecules, which do not contain introns. Additionalcoding or non-coding sequences may, but need not, be present within apolynucleotide of the present invention, and a polynucleotide may, butneed not, be linked to other molecules and/or support materials.

Polynucleotides may comprise a native sequence (i.e., an endogenoussequence that encodes an antibody or a portion thereof) or may comprisea variant of such a sequence. Polynucleotide variants contain one ormore substitutions, additions, deletions and/or insertions such that theimmunoreactivity of the encoded polypeptide is not diminished, relativeto a native immunoreactive molecule. The effect on the immunoreactivityof the encoded polypeptide may generally be assessed as describedherein. Variants preferably exhibit at least about 70% identity, morepreferably at least about 80% identity and most preferably at leastabout 90% identity to a polynucleotide sequence that encodes a nativeantibody or a portion thereof.

Two polynucleotide or polypeptide sequences are said to be “identical”if the sequence of nucleotides or amino acids in the two sequences isthe same when aligned for maximum correspondence as described below.Comparisons between two sequences are typically performed by comparingthe sequences over a comparison window to identify and compare localregions of sequence similarity. A “comparison window” as used herein,refers to a segment of at least about 20 contiguous positions, usually30 to about 75, 40 to about 50, in which a sequence may be compared to areference sequence of the same number of contiguous positions after thetwo sequences are optimally aligned.

Optimal alignment of sequences for comparison may be conducted using theMegalign program in the Lasergene suite of bioinformatics software(DNASTAR, Inc., Madison, Wis.), using default parameters. This programembodies several alignment schemes described in the followingreferences: Dayhoff, M. O. (1978) A model of evolutionary change inproteins—Matrices for detecting distant relationships. In Dayhoff, M. O.(ed.) Atlas of Protein Sequence and Structure, National BiomedicalResearch Foundation, Washington D.C. Vol. 5, Suppl. 3, pp. 345-358; HeinJ., 1990, Unified Approach to Alignment and Phylogenes pp. 626-645Methods in Enzymology vol. 183, Academic Press, Inc., San Diego, Calif.;Higgins, D. G. and Sharp, P. M., 1989, CABIOS 5:151-153; Myers, E. W.and Muller W., 1988, CABIOS 4:11-17; Robinson, E. D., 1971, Comb. Theor.11:105; Santou, N., Nes, M., 1987, Mol. Biol. Evol. 4:406-425; Sneath,P. H. A. and Sokal, R. R., 1973, Numerical Taxonomy the Principles andPractice of Numerical Taxonomy, Freeman Press, San Francisco, Calif.;Wilbur, W. J. and Lipman, D. J., 1983, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA80:726-730.

Preferably, the “percentage of sequence identity” is determined bycomparing two optimally aligned sequences over a window of comparison ofat least 20 positions, wherein the portion of the polynucleotide orpolypeptide sequence in the comparison window may comprise additions ordeletions (i.e. gaps) of 20 percent or less, usually 5 to 15 percent, or10 to 12 percent, as compared to the reference sequences (which does notcomprise additions or deletions) for optimal alignment of the twosequences. The percentage is calculated by determining the number ofpositions at which the identical nucleic acid bases or amino acidresidue occurs in both sequences to yield the number of matchedpositions, dividing the number of matched positions by the total numberof positions in the reference sequence (i.e. the window size) andmultiplying the results by 100 to yield the percentage of sequenceidentity.

Variants may also, or alternatively, be substantially homologous to anative gene, or a portion or complement thereof. Such polynucleotidevariants are capable of hybridizing under moderately stringentconditions to a naturally occurring DNA sequence encoding a nativeantibody (or a complementary sequence).

Suitable “moderately stringent conditions” include prewashing in asolution of 5×SSC, 0.5% SDS, 1.0 mM EDTA (pH 8.0); hybridizing at 50°C.−65° C., 5×SSC, overnight; followed by washing twice at 65° C. for 20minutes with each of 2×, 0.5× and 0.2×SSC containing 0.1% SDS.

As used herein, “highly stringent conditions” or “high stringencyconditions” are those that: (1) employ low ionic strength and hightemperature for washing, for example 0.015 M sodium chloride/0.0015 Msodium citrate/0.1% sodium dodecyl sulfate at 50° C.; (2) employ duringhybridization a denaturing agent, such as formamide, for example, 50%(v/v) formamide with 0.1% bovine serum albumin/0.1% Ficoll/0.1%polyvinylpyrrolidone/50 mM sodium phosphate buffer at pH 6.5 with 750 mMsodium chloride, 75 mM sodium citrate at 42° C.; or (3) employ 50%formamide, 5×SSC (0.75 M NaCl, 0.075 M sodium citrate), 50 mM sodiumphosphate (pH 6.8), 0.1% sodium pyrophosphate, 5×Denhardt's solution,sonicated salmon sperm DNA (50 μg/ml), 0.1% SDS, and 10% dextran sulfateat 42° C., with washes at 42° C. in 0.2×SSC (sodium chloride/sodiumcitrate) and 50% formamide at 55° C., followed by a high-stringency washconsisting of 0.1×SSC containing EDTA at 55° C. The skilled artisan willrecognize how to adjust the temperature, ionic strength, etc. asnecessary to accommodate factors such as probe length and the like.

It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that, as aresult of the degeneracy of the genetic code, there are many nucleotidesequences that encode a polypeptide as described herein. Some of thesepolynucleotides bear minimal homology to the nucleotide sequence of anynative gene. Nonetheless, polynucleotides that vary due to differencesin codon usage are specifically contemplated by the present invention.Further, alleles of the genes comprising the polynucleotide sequencesprovided herein are within the scope of the present invention. Allelesare endogenous genes that are altered as a result of one or moremutations, such as deletions, additions and/or substitutions ofnucleotides. The resulting mRNA and protein may, but need not, have analtered structure or function. Alleles may be identified using standardtechniques (such as hybridization, amplification and/or databasesequence comparison).

The polynucleotides of this invention can be obtained using chemicalsynthesis, recombinant methods, or PCR. Methods of chemicalpolynucleotide synthesis are well known in the art and need not bedescribed in detail herein. One of skill in the art can use thesequences provided herein and a commercial DNA synthesizer to produce adesired DNA sequence.

For preparing polynucleotides using recombinant methods, apolynucleotide comprising a desired sequence can be inserted into asuitable vector, and the vector in turn can be introduced into asuitable host cell for replication and amplification, as furtherdiscussed herein. Polynucleotides may be inserted into host cells by anymeans known in the art. Cells are transformed by introducing anexogenous polynucleotide by direct uptake, endocytosis, transfection,F-mating or electroporation. Once introduced, the exogenouspolynucleotide can be maintained within the cell as a non-integratedvector (such as a plasmid) or integrated into the host cell genome. Thepolynucleotide so amplified can be isolated from the host cell bymethods well known within the art. See, e.g., Sambrook et al. (1989).

Alternatively, PCR allows reproduction of DNA sequences. PCR technologyis well known in the art and is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,683,195,4,800,159, 4,754,065 and 4,683,202, as well as PCR: The Polymerase ChainReaction, Mullis et al. eds., Birkauswer Press, Boston (1994).

RNA can be obtained by using the isolated DNA in an appropriate vectorand inserting it into a suitable host cell. When the cell replicates andthe DNA is transcribed into RNA, the RNA can then be isolated usingmethods well known to those of skill in the art, as set forth inSambrook et al., (1989), for example.

Suitable cloning vectors may be constructed according to standardtechniques, or may be selected from a large number of cloning vectorsavailable in the art. While the cloning vector selected may varyaccording to the host cell intended to be used, useful cloning vectorswill generally have the ability to self-replicate, may possess a singletarget for a particular restriction endonuclease, and/or may carry genesfor a marker that can be used in selecting clones containing the vector.Suitable examples include plasmids and bacterial viruses, e.g., pUC18,pUC19, Bluescript (e.g., pBS SK+) and its derivatives, mp18, mp19,pBR322, pMB9, ColE1, pCR1, RP4, phage DNAs, and shuttle vectors such aspSA3 and pAT28. These and many other cloning vectors are available fromcommercial vendors such as BioRad, Strategene, and Invitrogen.

Expression vectors generally are replicable polynucleotide constructsthat contain a polynucleotide according to any of the various aspects ofthe invention. It is implied that an expression vector must bereplicable in the host cells either as episomes or as an integral partof the chromosomal DNA. Suitable expression vectors include but are notlimited to plasmids, viral vectors, including adenoviruses,adeno-associated viruses, retroviruses, cosmids, and expressionvector(s) disclosed in PCT Publication No. WO 87/04462. Vectorcomponents may generally include, but are not limited to, one or more ofthe following: a signal sequence; an origin of replication; one or moremarker genes; suitable transcriptional controlling elements (such aspromoters, enhancers and terminator). For expression (i.e.,translation), one or more translational controlling elements are alsousually required, such as ribosome binding sites, translation initiationsites, and stop codons.

The vectors containing the polynucleotides of interest can be introducedinto the host cell by any of a number of appropriate means, includingelectroporation, transfection employing calcium chloride, rubidiumchloride, calcium phosphate, DEAE-dextran, or other substances;microprojectile bombardment; lipofection; and infection (e.g., where thevector is an infectious agent such as vaccinia virus). The choice ofintroducing vectors or polynucleotides will often depend on features ofthe host cell.

In some aspects, the invention also provides host cells comprising anyof the polynucleotides described herein. Any host cells capable ofover-expressing heterologous DNAs can be used for the purpose ofisolating the genes encoding the antibody, polypeptide or protein ofinterest. Non-limiting examples of mammalian host cells include but notlimited to COS, HeLa, and CHO cells. See also PCT Publication No. WO87/04462. Suitable non-mammalian host cells include prokaryotes (such asE. coli or B. subtillis) and yeast (such as S. cerevisae, S. pombe; orK. lactis). Preferably, the host cells express the cDNAs at a level ofabout 5 fold higher, more preferably 10 fold higher, even morepreferably 20 fold higher than that of the corresponding endogenousantibody or protein of interest, if present, in the host cells.Screening the host cells for a specific binding to A81-40 is effected byan immunoassay or FACS. A cell overexpressing the antibody or protein ofinterest can be identified.

D. Compositions

In some embodiments, compositions used in a method of the inventioncomprise an effective amount of an antibody (e.g., anti-CGRP antagonistantibody, monoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway) or anantibody derived polypeptide described herein. Examples of suchcompositions, as well as how to formulate, are also described in anearlier section and below. In one embodiment, the composition furthercomprises a CGRP antagonist. In some embodiments, the compositioncomprises one or more monoclonal antibodies that modulate the CGRPpathway. In some embodiments, the composition comprises one or moreanti-CGRP antagonist antibodies. In some embodiments, the anti-CGRPantagonist antibody recognizes human CGRP. In some embodiments, theanti-CGRP antagonist antibody is humanized. In some embodiments, theanti-CGRP antagonist antibody comprises a constant region that does nottrigger an unwanted or undesirable immune response, such asantibody-mediated lysis or ADCC. In some embodiments, the anti-CGRPantagonist antibody comprises one or more CDR(s) of antibody G1 (such asone, two, three, four, five, or, in some embodiments, all six CDRs fromG1). In some embodiments, the anti-CGRP antagonist antibody is human.

It is understood that the compositions can comprise more than oneantibody (e.g., more than one anti-CGRP antagonist antibody—a mixture ofanti-CGRP antagonist antibodies that recognize different epitopes ofCGRP). Other exemplary compositions comprise more than one anti-CGRPantagonist antibodies that recognize the same epitope(s), or differentspecies of anti-CGRP antagonist antibodies that bind to differentepitopes of CGRP.

A composition can further comprise pharmaceutically acceptable carriers,excipients, or stabilizers (Remington: The Science and practice ofPharmacy 20th Ed. (2000) Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, Ed. K. E.Hoover). Acceptable carriers, excipients, or stabilizers are nontoxic torecipients at the dosages and concentrations employed. A therapeuticformulation of an antibody may comprise one or more pharmaceuticallyacceptable carriers, excipients or stabilizes with non-limiting examplesof such species that include buffers such as phosphate, citrate, andother organic acids; salts such as sodium chloride; antioxidantsincluding ascorbic acid and methionine; preservatives (such asoctadecyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride; hexamethonium chloride;benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride; phenol, butyl or benzylalcohol; alkyl parabens, such as methyl or propyl paraben; catechol;resorcinol; cyclohexanol; 3-pentanol; and m-cresol); low molecularweight (less than about 10 residues) polypeptides; proteins, such asserum albumin, gelatin, or immunoglobulins; hydrophilic polymers such aspolyvinylpyrrolidone; amino acids (e.g., at concentrations of 0.1 mM to100 mM, 0.1 mM to 1 mM, 0.01 mM to 50 mM, 1 mM to 50 mM, 1 mM to 30 mM,1 mM to 20 mM, 10 mM to 25 mM) such as glycine, glutamine, methionine,asparagine, histidine, arginine, or lysine; monosaccharides,disaccharides, and other carbohydrates including glucose, mannose, ordextrins; chelating agents (e.g., at concentrations of 0.001 mg/mL to 1mg/mL, 0.001 mg/mL to 1 mg/mL, 0.001 mg/mL to 0.1 mg/mL, 0.001 mg/mL to0.01 mg/mL) such as EDTA (e.g., disodium EDTA dihydrate); sugars (e.g.,at concentrations of 1 mg/mL to 500 mg/mL, 10 mg/mL to 200 mg/mL, 10mg/mL to 100 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL to 150 mg/mL) such as sucrose, mannitol,trehalose or sorbitol; salt-forming counter-ions such as sodium; metalcomplexes (e.g. Zn-protein complexes); and/or non-ionic surfactants(e.g., at concentrations of 0.01 mg/mL to 10 mg/mL, 0.01 mg/mL to 1mg/mL, 0.1 mg/mL to 1 mg/mL, 0.01 mg/mL to 0.5 mg/mL) such as TWEEN™(e.g., polysorbate (e.g., polysorbate 20, polysorbate 40, polysorbate60, polysorbate 80)), PLURONICS™ or polyethylene glycol (PEG).Pharmaceutically acceptable excipients are further described herein.

An antibody (e.g., an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) and compositionsthereof can also be used in conjunction with other agents that serve toenhance and/or complement the effectiveness of the agents.

E. Kits

In one aspect, the invention also provides kits for use in the instantmethods. Kits can include one or more containers comprising an antibodydescribed herein (e.g., an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody (such as ahumanized antibody)) or polypeptide described herein and instructionsfor use in accordance with any of the methods described herein.Generally, these instructions comprise a description of administrationof the antibody to treat, ameliorate or prevent headache (such asmigraine) according to any of the methods described herein. The kit mayfurther comprise a description of selecting an individual suitable fortreatment based on identifying whether that individual has headache orwhether the individual is at risk of having headache. In still otherembodiments, the instructions comprise a description of administering anantibody (e.g., anti-CGRP antagonist antibody) to an individual at riskof having headache (such as migraine).

In some embodiments, the antibody is a humanized antibody. In someembodiments, the antibody is human. In other embodiments, the antibodyis a monoclonal antibody. In still other embodiments. In someembodiment, the antibody comprises one or more CDR(s) of antibody G1(such as one, two, three, four, five, or, in some embodiments, all sixCDRs from G1).

The instructions relating to the use of an antibody (e.g., anti-CGRPantagonist antibody) generally include information as to dosage, dosingschedule, and route of administration for the intended treatment. Thecontainers may be unit doses, bulk packages (e.g., multi-dose packages)or sub-unit doses. Instructions supplied in the kits are typicallywritten instructions on a label or package insert (e.g., a paper sheetincluded in the kit), but machine-readable instructions (e.g.,instructions carried on a magnetic or optical storage disk) are alsoacceptable.

The label or package insert indicates that the composition is used fortreating, ameliorating and/or preventing headache (such as migraine).Instructions may be provided for practicing any of the methods describedherein.

The kits of this invention are in suitable packaging. Suitable packagingincludes, but is not limited to, vials, bottles, jars, flexiblepackaging (e.g., sealed Mylar or plastic bags), and the like. Alsocontemplated are packages for use in combination with a specific device,such as an inhaler, nasal administration device (e.g., an atomizer) oran infusion device such as a minipump. A kit may have a sterile accessport (for example the container may be an intravenous solution bag or avial having a stopper pierceable by a hypodermic injection needle). Thecontainer may also have a sterile access port (for example the containermay be an intravenous solution bag or a vial having a stopper pierceableby a hypodermic injection needle). At least one active agent in thecomposition is an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody and/or a monoclonalantibody that modulates the CGRP pathway. The container may furthercomprise a second pharmaceutically active agent.

Kits may optionally provide additional components such as buffers andinterpretive information. Normally, the kit comprises a container and alabel or package insert(s) on or associated with the container.

The following Examples are provided to illustrate but not limit theinvention.

EXAMPLES Example 1: Generation and Characterization of MonoclonalAntibodies Directed Against CGRP

Generation of anti-CGRP antibodies. To generate anti-CGRP antibodiesthat have cross-species reactivity for rat and human CGRP, mice wereimmunized with 25-100 μg of human α-CGRP or β-CGRP conjugated to KLH inadjuvant (50 μl per footpad, 100 μl total per mouse) at variousintervals. Immunization was generally performed as described in GeerligsH J et al., 1989, J. Immunol. Methods 124:95-102; Kenney J S et al.,1989, J. Immunol. Methods 121:157-166; and Wicher K et al., 1989, Int.Arch. Allergy Appl. Immunol. 89:128-135. Mice were first immunized with50 μg of human α-CGRP or β-CGRP conjugated to KLH in CFA (completeFreund's adjuvant). After 21 days, mice were secondly immunized with 25μg of human β-CGRP (for mice first immunized with human α-CGRP) orα-CGRP (for mice first immunized with human β-CGRP) conjugated to KLH inIFA (incomplete Freund's adjuvant). Twenty three days later after thesecond immunization, third immunization was performed with 25 μg of ratα-CGRP conjugated to KLH in IFA. Ten days later, antibody titers weretested using ELISA. Forth immunization was performed with 25 μg of thepeptide (rat α-CGRP-KLH) in IFA 34 days after the third immunization.Final booster was performed with 100 μg soluble peptide (rat α-CGRP) 32days after the forth immunization.

Splenocytes were obtained from the immunized mouse and fused with NSOmyeloma cells at a ratio of 10:1, with polyethylene glycol 1500. Thehybrids were plated out into 96-well plates in DMEM containing 20% horseserum and 2-oxaloacetate/pyruvate/insulin (Sigma), andhypoxanthine/aminopterin/thymidine selection was begun. On day 8, 100 μlof DMEM containing 20% horse serum was added to all the wells.Supernatants of the hybrids were screened by using antibody captureimmunoassay. Determination of antibody class was done withclass-specific second antibodies.

A panel of monoclonal antibody-producing cell lines was selected basedon their binding to human and rat CGRP for further characterization.These antibodies and characteristics are shown below in Tables 2 and 3.

Purification and Fab fragment preparation. Monoclonal antibodiesselected for further characterization were purified from supernatants ofhybridoma cultures using protein A affinity chromatography. Thesupernatants were equilibrated to pH 8. The supernatants were thenloaded to the protein A column MabSelect (Amersham Biosciences#17-5199-02) equilibrated with PBS to pH 8. The column was washed with 5column volumes of PBS, pH 8. The antibodies were eluted with 50 mMcitrate-phosphate buffer, pH 3. The eluted antibodies were neutralizedwith 1M Phosphate Buffer, pH 8. The purified antibodies were dialyzedwith PBS, pH 7.4. The antibody concentrations were determined bySDS-PAGE, using a murine monoclonal antibody standard curve.

Fabs were prepared by papain proteolysis of the full antibodies usingImmunopure Fab kit (Pierce #44885) and purified by flow through proteinA chromatography following manufacturer instructions. Concentrationswere determined by ELISA and/or SDS-PAGE electrophoresis using astandard Fab of known concentration (determined by amino acid analysis),and by A280 using 1OD=0.6 mg/ml (or theoretical equivalent based on theamino acid sequence).

Affinity determination of the Fabs. Affinities of the anti-CGRPmonoclonal antibodies were determined at either 25° C. or 37° C. usingthe Biacore3000™ surface plasmon resonance (SPR) system (Biacore, INC,Piscataway N.J.) with the manufacture's own running buffer, HBS-EP (10mM HEPES pH 7.4, 150 mM NaCl, 3 mM EDTA, 0.005% v/v polysorbate P20).Affinity was determined by capturing N-terminally biotinylated CGRPpeptides (custom ordered from GenScript Corporation, New Jersey orGlobal Peptide Services, Colorado) via pre-immobilized streptavidin onSA chip and measuring binding kinetics of antibody Fab titrated acrossthe CGRP surface. Biotinylated CGRP was diluted into HBS-EP and injectedover the chip at a concentration of less than 0.001 mg/ml. Usingvariable flow time across the individual chip channels, two ranges ofantigen density were achieved: <50 response units (RU) for detailedkinetic studies and about 800 RU for concentration studies andscreening. Two- or three-fold serial dilutions typically atconcentrations spanning 1-0.1 nM (aimed at 0.1-10× estimated KO ofpurified Fab fragments were injected for 1 minute at 100 μL/min anddissociation times of 10 minutes were allowed. After each binding cycle,surfaces were regenerated with 25 mM NaOH in 25% v/v ethanol, which wastolerated over hundreds of cycles. Kinetic association rate (k_(on)) anddissociation rate (k_(off)) were obtained simultaneously by fitting thedata to a 1:1 Langmuir binding model (Karlsson, R. Roos, H. Fagerstam,L. Petersson, B. (1994). Methods Enzymology 6. 99-110) using theBIAevaluation program. Global equilibrium dissociation constants (K_(D))or “affinities” were calculated from the ratio K_(D)=k_(off)/k_(on).Affinities of the murine Fab fragments are shown in Tables 2 and 3.

Epitope mapping of the murine anti-CGRP antibodies. To determine theepitope that anti-CGRP antibodies bind on human α-CGRP, bindingaffinities of the Fab fragments to various CGRP fragments were measuredas described above by capturing N-terminally biotinylated CGRP fragmentsamino acids 19-37 and amino acids 25-37 on a SA sensor chip. FIG. 1shows their binding affinities measured at 25° C. As shown in FIG. 1,all antibodies, except antibody 4901, bind to human α-CGRP fragments19-37 and 25-37 with affinity similar to their binding affinity to fulllength human α-CGRP (1-37). Antibody 4901 binds to human α-CGRP fragment25-37 with six fold lower affinity than binding to full length humanα-CGRP fragment, due mainly to a loss in off-rate. The data indicatethat these anti-CGRP antibodies generally bind to the C-terminal end ofCGRP.

Alanine scanning was performed to further characterize amino acids inhuman α-CGRP involved in binding of anti-CGRP antibodies. Differentvariants of human α-CGRP with single alanine substitutions weregenerated by peptide synthesis. Their amino acid sequences are shown inTable 4 along with all the other peptides used in the Biacore analysis.Affinities of Fab fragments of the anti-CGRP antibodies to thesevariants were determined using Biacore as described above. As shown inFIG. 1, all 12 antibodies target a C-terminal epitope, with amino acidF37 being the most crucial residue. Mutation of F37 to alaninesignificantly lowered the affinity or even completely knocked outbinding of the anti-CGRP antibodies to the peptide. The next mostimportant amino acid residue is G33, however, only the high affinityantibodies (7E9, 8B6, 10A8, and 7D11) were affected by alaninereplacement at this position. Amino acid residue S34 also plays asignificant, but lesser, role in the binding of these four high affinityantibodies.

TABLE 2 Characteristics of the anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies' bindingto human α-CGRP and their antagonist activity Cell-based blocking IC₅₀(nM binding human α-CGRP sites) at 25° C. K_(D) to K_(D) to binding toits (room temp.) human α-CGRP humanα-CGRP receptor at 25° C. measured inAnti- at 25° C. at 37° C. (measured by cAMP radioligand bodies (nM) (nM)activation) binding assay. 7E9 1.0 0.9 Yes 2.5 8B6 1.1 1.2 Yes 4.0 10A82.1 3.0 Yes n.d. 7D11 4.4 5.4 Yes n.d. 6H2 9.3 42 Yes 12.9 4901 61 139Yes 58 14E10 80 179 Yes n.d. 9B8 85 183 No n.d. 13C2 94 379 No n.d. 14A9148 581 No n.d. 6D5 210 647 No n.d. 1C5 296 652 No n.d. Note: Antibody4901 is commercially available (Sigma, Product No. C7113). n.d. = notdetermined

TABLE 3 Characteristics of the anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies' bindingto rat α-CGRP and antagonist activity Cell-based blocking of binding ofrat K_(D) to rat α-CGRP to its receptor In vivo blocking α-CGRP at at25° C. (measured by in saphenous Antibodies 37° C. (nM) cAMP activation)nerve assay 4901 3.4 Yes Yes 7E9 47 Yes Yes 6H2 54 No No 8B6 75 Yes Yes7D11 218 Yes Yes 10A8 451 No n.d. 9B8 876 No n.d. 14E10 922 No n.d.13C2 >1000 No n.d. 14A9 >1000 No n.d. 6D5 >1000 No n.d. 1C5 >1000 Non.d. “n.d.” indicates no test was performed for the antibody.

TABLE 4 Amino acid sequences of human α-CGRPfragments (SEQ ID NOS: 15-40) and related peptides (SEQ ID NOS: 41-47). All peptides are C-terminally amidatedexcept SEQ ID NOS: 36-40. Residues in bold indicate point mutations. SEQID CGRP Amino acid sequence NO 1-37 (WT) ACDTATCVTHRLAGLLSRSGGV 15VKNNFVPTNVGSKAF 8-37 VTHRLAGLLSRSGGVVKNNFVP 16 TNVGSKAF 19-37SGGVVKNNFVPTNVGSKAF 17 P29A (19-37) SGGVVKNNFVATNVGSKAF 18 K35A (19-37)SGGVVKNNFVPTNVGSAAF 19 K35E (19-37) SGGVVKNNFVPTNVGSEAF 20 K35M (19-37)SGGVVKNNFVPTNVGSMAF 21 K35Q (19-37) SGGVVKNNFVPTNVGSQAF 22 F37A (19-37)SGGVVKNNFVPTNVGSKAA 23 25-38A NNFVPTNVGSKAFA 24 25-37 NNFVPTNVGSKAF 25F27A (25-37) NNAVPTNVGSKAF 26 V28A (25-37) NNFAPTNVGSKAF 27 P29A (25-37)NNFVATNVGSKAF 28 T30A (25-37) NNFVPANVGSKAF 29 N31A (25-37)NNFVPTAVGSKAF 30 V32A (25-37) NNFVPTNAGSKAF 31 G33A (25-37)NNFVPTNVASKAF 32 S34A (25-37) NNFVPTNVGAKAF 33 F37A (25-37)NNFVPTNVGSKAA 34 26-37 NFVPTNVGSKAF 35 19-37-COOH SGGVVKNNFVPTNVGSKAF 3619-36-COOH SGGVVKNNFVPTNVGSKA 37 1-36-COOH ACDTATCVTHRLAGLLSRSG 38GVVKNNFVPTNVGSKA 1-19-COOH ACDTATCVTHRLAGLLSRS 39 1-13-COOHACDTATCVTHRLA 40 rat α (1-37) SCNTATCVTHRLAGLLSRSGG 41 VVKDNFVPTNVGSEAFrat α (19-37) SGGVVKDNFVPTNVGSEAF 42 human β (1-37)ACNTATCVTHRLAGLLSRSGG 43 MVKSNFVPTNVGSKAF rat β (1-37)SCNTATCVTHRLAGLLSRSGG 44 VVKDNFVPTNVGSKAF Human calcitoninCGNLSTCMLGTYTQDFNKFHT 45 (1-32) FPQTAIGVGAP Human amylinKCNTATCATQRLANFLVHSSN 46 (1-37) NFGAILSSTNVGSNTY HumanYRQSMNNFQGLRSFGCRFGTC 47 adrenomedullin TVQKLAHQIYQFTDKDKDNVA (1-52)PRSKISPQGY

Example 2: Screening of Anti-CGRP Antagonist Antibodies Using In VitroAssays

Murine anti-CGRP antibodies were further screened for antagonistactivity in vitro using cell based cAMP activation assay and bindingassay.

Antagonist activity measured by cAMP assay. Five microliters of human orrat α-CGRP (final concentration 50 nM) in the presence or absence of ananti-CGRP antibody (final concentration 1-3000 nM), or rat α-CGRP orhuman α-CGRP (final concentration 0.1 nM-10 μM; as a positive controlfor c-AMP activation) was dispensed into a 384-well plate (Nunc, Cat.No. 264657). Ten microliters of cells (human SK-N-MC if human α-CGRP isused, or rat L6 from ATCC if rat α-CGRP is used) in stimulation buffer(20 mM HEPES, pH 7.4, 146 mM NaCl, 5 mM KCl, 1 mM CaCl₂), 1 mM MgCl₂,and 500 uM 3-Isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX)) were added into the wellsof the plate. The plate was incubated at room temperature for 30 min.

After the incubation, cAMP activation was performed using HitHunter™Enzyme Fragment Complementation Assay (Applied Biosystems) followingmanufacture's instruction. The assay is based on a geneticallyengineered β-galactosidase enzyme that consists of two fragments—termedEnzyme Acceptor (EA) and Enzyme Donor (ED). When the two fragments areseparated, the enzyme is inactive. When the fragments are together theycan recombine spontaneously to form active enzyme by a process calledcomplementation. The EFC assay platform utilizes an ED-cAMP peptideconjugate in which cAMP is recognized by anti-cAMP. This ED fragment iscapable of reassociation with EA to form active enzyme. In the assay,anti-cAMP antibody is optimally titrated to bind ED-cAMP conjugate andinhibit enzyme formation. Levels of cAMP in cell lysate samples competewith ED-cAMP conjugate for binding to the anti-cAMP antibody. The amountof free ED conjugate in the assay is proportional to the concentrationof cAMP. Therefore, cAMP is measured by the formation of active enzymethat is quantified by the turnover of β-galactosidase luminescentsubstrate. The cAMP activation assay was performed by adding 10 μl oflysis buffer and anti-cAMP antibody (1:1 ratio) following by incubationat room temperature for 60 min. Then 10 μl of ED-cAMP reagent was addedinto each well and incubated for 60 minutes at room temperature, Afterthe incubation, 20 μl of EA reagent and CL mixture (containing thesubstrate) (1:1 ratio) was added into each well and incubated for 1-3hours or overnight at room temperature. The plate was read at 1second/well on PMT instrument or 30 seconds/place on imager. Theantibodies that inhibit activation of cAMP by α-CGRP were identified(referred to as “yes”) in Tables 2 and 3 above. Data in Tables 2 and 3indicate that antibodies that demonstrated antagonist activity in theassay generally have high affinity. For example, antibodies having K_(D)(determined at 25° C.) of about 80 nM or less to human α-CGRP or havingK_(D) (determined at 37° C.) of about 47 nM or less to rat α-CGRP showedantagonist activity in this assay.

Radioligand binding assay. Binding assay was performed to measure theIC₅₀ of anti-CGRP antibody in blocking the CGRP from binding to thereceptor as described previously. Zimmermann et al., Peptides 16:421-4,1995; Mallee et al., J. Biol. Chem. 277:14294-8, 2002. Membranes (25 μg)from SK-N-MC cells were incubated for 90 min at room temperature inincubation buffer (50 mM Tris-HCL, pH 7.4, 5 mM MgCL₂, 0.1% BSA)containing 10 pM ¹²⁵I-human α-CGRP in a total volume of 1 mL. Todetermine inhibition concentrations (ICH), antibodies or unlabeled CGRP(as a control), from a about 100 fold higher stock solution weredissolved at varying concentrations in the incubation buffer andincubated at the same time with membranes and 10 μM ¹²⁵I-human α-CGRP.Incubation was terminated by filtration through a glass microfiberfilter (GF/B, 1 μm) which had been blocked with 0.5% polyethylemimine.Dose response curves were plotted and K values were determined by usingthe equation: K_(i)=IC₅₀/(1+([ligand]/K_(D)); where the equilibriumdissociation constant K_(D)=8 pM for human α-CGRP to CGRP1 receptor aspresent in SK-N-MC cells, and B_(max)=0.025 pmol/mg protein. Thereported IC₅₀ value (in terms of IgG molecules) was converted to bindingsites (by multiplying it by 2) so that it could be compared with theaffinities (K_(D)) determined by Biacore (see Table 2).

Table 2 shows the IC₅₀ of murine antibodies 7E9, 8B6, 6H2 and 4901. Dataindicate that antibody affinity generally correlates with IC₅₀:antibodies with higher affinity (lower K_(D) values) have lower IC₅₀ inthe radioligand binding assay.

Example 3: Effect of Anti-CGRP Antagonist Antibodies on SkinVasodilatation Induced by Stimulation of Rat Saphenous Nerve

To test antagonist activity of anti-CGRP antibodies, effect of theantibodies on skin vasodilatation by stimulation of rat saphenous nervewas tested using a rat model described previously. Escott et al., Br. J.Pharmacol. 110:772-776, 1993. In this rat model, electrical stimulationof saphenous nerve induces release of CGRP from nerve endings, resultingin an increase in skin blood flow. Blood flow in the foot skin of maleSprague Dawley rats (170-300 g, from Charles River Hollister) wasmeasured after saphenous nerve stimulation. Rats were maintained underanesthesia with 2% isoflurane. Bretylium tosylate (30 mg/kg,administered i.v.) was given at the beginning of the experiment tominimize vasoconstriction due to the concomitant stimulation ofsympathetic fibers of the saphenous nerve. Body temperature wasmaintained at 37° C. by the use of a rectal probe thermostaticallyconnected to a temperature controlled heating pad. Compounds includingantibodies, positive control (CGRP 8-37), and vehicle (PBS, 0.01% Tween20) were given intravenously through the right femoral vein, except forthe experiment shown in FIG. 3, the test compound and the control wereinjected through tail vein, and for experiments shown in FIGS. 2A and2B, antibodies 4901 and 7D11 were injected intraperitoneally (IP).Positive control compound CGRP 8-37 (vasodilatation antagonist), due toits short half-life, was given 3-5 min before nerve stimulation at 400nmol/kg (200 μl). Tan et al., Clin. Sci. 89:656-73, 1995. The antibodieswere given in different doses (1 mg/kg, 2.5 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg,and 25 mg/kg).

For experiments shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, antibody 4901 (25 mg/kg),antibody 7D11 (25 mg/kg), or vehicle control (PBS with 0.01% Tween 20)was administered intraperitoneally (IP) 72 hours before the electricalpulse stimulation. For experiment shown in FIG. 3, antibody 4901 (1mg/kg, 2.5 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg, or 25 mg/kg) or vehicle control (PBS with0.01% Tween 20) was administered intravenously 24 hours before theelectrical pulse stimulation. After administration of the antibodies orvehicle control, the saphenous nerve of the right hindlimb was exposedsurgically, cut proximally and covered with plastic wrap to preventdrying. A laser Doppler probe was placed over the medio-dorsal side ofthe hindpaw skin, which is the region innervated by the saphenous nerve.Skin blood flow, measured as blood cell flux, was monitored with a laserDoppler flow meter. When a stable base-line flux (less than 5%variation) was established for at least 5 min, the nerve was placed overplatinum bipolar electrodes and electrically stimulated with 60 pulses(2 Hz, 10 V, 1 ms, for 30 sec) and then again 20 minutes later.Cumulative change in skin blood flow was estimated by the area under theflux-time curve (AUC, which is equal to change in flux multiplied bychange in time) for each flux response to electrical pulse stimulation.The average of the blood flow response to the two stimulations wastaken. Animals were kept under anesthesia for a period of one to threehours.

As shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, blood flow increase stimulated byapplying electronic pulses on saphenous nerve was inhibited by thepresence of CGRP 8-37 (400 nmol/kg, administered i.v.), antibody 4901(25 mg/kg, administered ip), or antibody 7D11 (25 mg/kg, administeredip) as compared to the control. CGRP 8-37 was administered 3-5 minbefore the saphenous nerve stimulation; and antibodies were administered72 hours before the saphenous nerve stimulation. As shown in FIG. 3,blood flow increase stimulated by applying electronic pulses onsaphenous nerve was inhibited by the presence of antibody 4901 atdifferent doses (1 mg/kg, 2.5 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg, and 25 mg/kg) administeredintravenously at 24 h before the saphenous nerve stimulation.

For experiments shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, saphenous nerve was exposedsurgically before antibody administration. The saphenous nerve of theright hindlimb was exposed surgically, cut proximally and covered withplastic wrap to prevent drying. A laser Doppler probe was placed overthe medio-dorsal side of the hindpaw skin, which is the regioninnervated by the saphenous nerve. Skin blood flow, measured as bloodcell flux, was monitored with a laser Doppler flow meter. Thirty toforty five minutes after bretylium tosylate injection, when a stablebase-line flux (less than 5% variation) was established for at least 5min, the nerve was placed over platinum bipolar electrodes andelectrically stimulated (2 Hz, 10V, 1 ms, for 30 sec) and again 20minutes later. The average of the blood flow flux response to these twostimulations was used to establish the baseline response (time 0) toelectrical stimulation. Antibody 4901 (1 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg), antibody7E9 (10 mg/kg), antibody 8B6 (10 mg/kg), or vehicle (PBS with 0.01%Tween 20) were then administered intravenously (i.v.). The nerve wassubsequently stimulated (2 Hz, 10V, 1 ms, for 30 sec) at 30 min, 60 min,90 min, and 120 min after antibody or vehicle administration. Animalswere kept under anesthesia for a period of approximately three hours.Cumulative change in skin blood flow was estimated by the area under theflux-time curve (AUC, which is equal to change in flux multiplied bychange in time) for each flux response to electrical pulse stimulations.

As shown in FIG. 4A, blood flow increase stimulated by applyingelectronic pulses on saphenous nerve was significantly inhibited by thepresence of antibody 4901 1 mg/kg administered i.v., when electronicpulse stimulation was applied at 60 min, 90 min, and 120 min after theantibody administration, and blood flow increase stimulated by applyingelectronic pulses on saphenous nerve was significantly inhibited by thepresence of antibody 4901 10 mg/kg administered i.v., when electronicpulse stimulation was applied at 30 min, 60 min, 90 min, and 120 minafter the antibody administration. FIG. 4B shows that blood flowincrease stimulated by applying electronic pulses on saphenous nerve wassignificantly inhibited by the presence of antibody 7E9 (10 mg/kg,administered i.v.) when electronic pulse stimulation was applied at 30min, 60 min, 90 min, and 120 min after antibody administration, and bythe presence of antibody 8B6 (10 mg/kg, administered i.v.) whenelectronic pulse stimulation was applied at 30 min after antibodyadministration.

These data indicate that antibodies 4901, 7E9, 7D11, and 8B6 areeffective in blocking CGRP activity as measured by skin vasodilatationinduced by stimulation of rat saphenous nerve.

Example 4. Characterization of Anti-CGRP Antibody G1 and its Variants

Amino acid sequences for the heavy chain variable region and light chainvariable region of anti-CGRP antibody G1 are shown in FIG. 5. Thefollowing methods were used for expression and characterization ofantibody G1 and its variants.

Expression vector used. Expression of the Fab fragment of the antibodieswas under control of an IPTG inducible lacZ promoter similar to thatdescribed in Barbas (2001) Phage display: a laboratory manual, ColdSpring Harbor, N.Y., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press pg. 2.10.Vector pComb3X), however, modifications included addition and expressionof the following additional domains: the human Kappa light chainconstant domain and the CH1 constant domain of IgG2 humanimmunoglobulin, Ig gamma-2 chain C region, protein accession numberP01859; Immunoglobulin kappa light chain (homosapiens), proteinaccession number CAA09181.

Small scale Fab preparation. From E. Coli transformed (either usingelectroporation-competent TG1 cells or chemically-competent Top 10cells) with a Fab library, single colonies were used to inoculate both amaster plate (agar LB+carbenicillin (50 ug/mL)+2% glucose) and a workingplate (2 mL/well, 96-well/plate) where each well contained 1.5 mLLB+carbenicillin (50 ug/mL)+2% glucose. A gas permeable adhesive seal(ABgene, Surrey, UK) was applied to the plate. Both plates wereincubated at 30° C. for 12-16 h; the working plate was shakenvigorously. The master plate was stored at 4° C. until needed, while thecells from the working plate were pelleted (4000 rpm, 4° C., 20 mins)and resuspended in 1.0 mL LB+carbenicillin (50 ug/mL)+0.5 mM IPTG toinduce expression of Fabs by vigorous shaking for 5 h at 30° C. Inducedcells were centrifuges at 4000 rpm, 4° C. for 20 mins and resuspended in0.6 mL Biacore HB-SEP buffer (10 mM Hepes pH 7.4, 150 mM NaCl, 3 mMEDTA, 0.005% v/v P20). Lysis of HB-SEP resuspended cells wasaccomplished by freezing (−80° C.) and then thawing at 37° C. Celllysates were centrifuged at 4000 rpm, 4° C. for 1 hour to separate thedebris from the Fab-containing supernatants, which were subsequentlyfiltered (0.2 um) using a Millipore MultiScreen Assay System 96-WellFiltration Plate and vacuum manifold. Biacore was used to analyzefiltered supernatants by injecting them across CGRPs on the sensor chip.Affinity-selected clones expressing Fabs were rescued from the masterplate, which provided template DNA for PCR, sequencing, and plasmidpreparation.

Large scale Fab preparation. To obtain kinetic parameters, Fabs wereexpressed on a larger scale as follows. Erlenmeyer flasks containing 150mL LB+carbenicillin (50 ug/mL)+2% glucose were inoculated with 1 mL of a“starter” overnight culture from an affinity-selected Fab-expressing E.Coli clone. The remainder of the starter culture (˜3 mL) was used toprepare plasmid DNA (QlAprep mini-prep, Qiagen kit) for sequencing andfurther manipulation. The large culture was incubated at 30° C. withvigorous shaking until an OD_(600 nm) of 1.0 was attained (typically12-16 h). The cells were pelleted by centrifuging at 4000 rpm, 4° C. for20 mins, and resuspended in 150 mL LB+carbenicillin (50 ug/mL)+0.5 mMIPTG. After 5 h expression at 30° C., cells were pelleted bycentrifuging at 4000 rpm, 4° C. for 20 mins, resuspended in 10 mLBiacore HBS-EP buffer, and lysed using a single freeze (−80° C.)/thaw(37° C.) cycle. Cell lysates were pelleted by centrifuging at 4000 rpm,4° C. for 1 hour, and the supernatant was collected and filtered (0.2um). Filtered supernatants were loaded onto Ni-NTA superflow sepharose(Qiagen, Valencia. Calif.) columns equilibrated with PBS, pH 8, thenwashed with 5 column volumes of PBS, pH 8. Individual Fabs eluted indifferent fractions with PBS (pH 8)+300 mM Imidazole. Fractionscontaining Fabs were pooled and dialyzed in PBS, then quantified byELISA prior to affinity characterization.

Full antibody preparation. For expression of full antibodies, heavy andlight chain variable regions were cloned in mammalian expression vectorsand transfected using lipofectamine into HEK 293 cells for transientexpression. Antibodies were purified using protein A using standardmethods.

Vector pDb.CGRP.hFcGl is an expression vector comprising the heavy chainof the G1 antibody, and is suitable for transient or stable expressionof the heavy chain. Vector pDb.CGRP.hFcGl has nucleotide sequencescorresponding to the following regions: the murine cytomegaloviruspromoter region (nucleotides 7-612); a synthetic intron (nucleotides613-1679); the DHFR coding region (nucleotides 688-1253); human growthhormone signal peptide (nucleotides 1899-1976); heavy chain variableregion of G1 (nucleotides 1977-2621); human heavy chain IgG2 constantregion containing the following mutations: A330P331 to S330S331 (aminoacid numbering with reference to the wildtype IgG2 sequence; see Eur. J.Immunol. (1999) 29:2613-2624). Vector pDb.CGRP.hFcGl was deposited atthe ATCC on Jul. 15, 2005, and was assigned ATCC Accession No. PTA-6867.

Vector pEb.CGRP.hKGI is an expression vector comprising the light chainof the G1 antibody, and is suitable for transient expression of thelight chain. Vector pEb.CGRP.hKGI has nucleotide sequences correspondingto the following regions: the murine cytomegalovirus promoter region(nucleotides 2-613); human EF-1 intron (nucleotides 614-1149); humangrowth hormone signal peptide (nucleotides 1160-1237); antibody G1 lightchain variable region (nucleotides 1238-1558); human kappa chainconstant region (nucleotides 1559-1882). Vector pEb.CGRP.hKGI wasdeposited at the ATCC on Jul. 15, 2005, and was assigned ATCC AccessionNo. PTA-6866.

Biacore assay for affinity determination. Affinities of G1 monoclonalantibody and its variants were determined at either 25° C. or 37° C.using the Biacore3000™ surface plasmon resonance (SPR) system (Biacore,INC, Piscataway N.J.). Affinity was determined by capturing N-terminallybiotinylated CGRP or fragments via pre-immobilized streptavidin (SAsensor chip) and measuring the binding kinetics of antibody G1 Fabfragments or variants titrated across the CGRP or fragment on the chip.All Biacore assays were conducted in HBS-EP running buffer (10 mM HEPESpH 7.4, 150 mM NaCl, 3 mM EDTA, 0.005% v/v polysorbate P20). CGRPsurfaces were prepared by diluting the N-biotinylated CGRP to aconcentration of less than 0.001 mg/mL into HBS-EP buffer and injectingit across the SA sensor chip using variable contact times. Low capacitysurfaces, corresponding to capture levels <50 response units (RU) wereused for high-resolution kinetic studies, whereas high capacity surfaces(about 800 RU of captured CGRP) were used for concentration studies,screening, and solution affinity determinations. Kinetic data wereobtained by diluting antibody G1 Fab serially in two- or three-foldincrements to concentrations spanning 1 uM-0.1 nM (aimed at 0.1-10×estimated KO. Samples were typically injected for 1 minute at 100 μL/minand dissociation times of at least 10 minutes were allowed. After eachbinding cycle, surfaces were regenerated with 25 mM NaOH in 25% v/vethanol, which was tolerated over hundreds of cycles. An entiretitration series (typically generated in duplicate) was fit globally toa 1:1 Langmuir binding model using the BIAevaluation program. Thisreturned a unique pair of association and dissociation kinetic rateconstants (respectively, k_(on) and k_(off)) for each bindinginteraction, whose ratio gave the equilibrium dissociation constant(K_(D)=k_(off)/k_(on)). Affinities (K_(D) values) determined in this wayare listed in Tables 6 and 7.

High-resolution analysis of binding interactions with extremely slowoffrates. For interactions with extremely slow offrates (in particular,antibody G1 Fab binding to human α-CGRP on the chip at 25° C.),affinities were obtained in a two-part experiment. The protocoldescribed above was used with the following modifications. Theassociation rate constant (k_(on)) was determined by injecting a 2-foldtitration series (in duplicate) spanning 550 nM-1 nM for 30 sec at 100uL/min and allowing only a 30 sec dissociation phase. The dissociationrate constant (k_(off)) was determined by injecting three concentrations(high, medium, and low) of the same titration series in duplicate for 30sec and allowing a 2-hour dissociation phase. The affinity (K_(D)) ofeach interaction was obtained by combining the k_(on) and k_(off) valuesobtained in both types of experiments, as shown in Table 5.

Determining solution affinity by Biacore. The solution affinity ofantibody G1 for rat α-CGRP and F37A (19-37) human α-CGRP was measured byBiacore at 37° C. A high capacity CGRP chip surface was used (thehigh-affinity human α-CGRP was chosen for detection purposes) and HBS-EPrunning buffer was flowed at 5 uL/min. Antibody G1 Fab fragment at aconstant concentration of 5 nM (aimed to be at or below the expected KIDof the solution-based interaction) was pre-incubated with competingpeptide, either rat α-CGRP or F37A (19-37) human α-CGRP, at finalconcentrations spanning 1 nM to 1 uM in 3-fold serial dilutions.Antibody G1 Fab solutions in the absence or presence of solution-basedcompeting peptide, were injected across CGRP on the chip and thedepletion of binding responses detected at the chip surface as a resultof solution competition was monitored. These binding responses wereconverted to “free Fab concentrations” using a calibration curve, whichwas constructed by titrating antibody G1 Fab alone (5, 2.5, 1.25, 0.625,0.325 and 0 nM) across the CGRP on the chip. “Free Fab concentrations”were plotted against the concentration of competing solution-basedpeptide used to generate each data point and fit to a solution affinitymodel using the BIAevaluation software. The solution affinitiesdetermined (indirectly) in this way are shown in Tables 5 and 7 and wereused to validate the affinities obtained when Fabs are injected directlyacross N-biotinylated CGRPs on a SA chip. The close agreement betweenthe affinities determined by these two methods confirms that tetheringan N-biotinylated version of the CGRP to the chip does not alter itsnative solution binding activity.

Table 5 below shows the binding affinities of antibody G1 to humanα-CGRP, human β-CGRP, rat α-CGRP, and rat β-CGRP determined by Biacore,by flowing Fab fragments across N-biotinylated CGRPs on a SA chip. Tobetter resolve the affinities of binding interactions with extremelyslow offrates, affinities were also determined in a two-part experimentto complement this assay orientation, the solution affinity of the ratα-CGRP interaction was also determined (as described above). The closeagreement of the affinities measured in both assay orientations confirmsthat the binding affinity of the native rat α-CGRP in solution is notaltered when it is N-biotinylated and tethered to a SA chip.

TABLE 5 Binding affinities of antibody G1 Fabs titrated across CGRPs onthe chip Temp. k_(on) k_(off) K_(D) CGRP on chip (° C.) (1/Ms) (1/s)(nM) Human α-CGRP 25 1.86 × 10⁵ 7.80 × 10⁻⁶ 0.042 (7%, n = 4)* Humanα-CGRP 37 5.78 × 10⁵ 3.63 × 10⁻⁵ 0.063 (4%, n = 2)* Human β-CGRP 37 4.51× 10⁵ 6.98 × 10⁻⁵ 0.155 Rat α-CGRP 25 5.08 × 10⁴ 6.18 × 10⁻⁵ 1.22 (12%,n = 2)* Rat α-CGRP 37 1.55 × 10⁵ 3.99 × 10⁻⁴ 2.57* (Solution K_(D) = 10(50%, n = 4)** Rat β-CGRP 37 5.16 × 10⁵ 7.85 × 10⁻⁵ 0.152 *Affinitiesfor α-CGRPs (rat and human) were determined in a high-resolutiontwo-part experiment, in which the dissociation phase was monitored for 2hours (the values for k_(on), k_(off), and K_(D) represent the averageof n replicate experiments with the standard deviation expressed as apercent variance). Affinities for β-CGRPs (rat and human) weredetermined by global analysis using only a 20-min dissociation phase,which was not accurate enough to quantify their extremely offrates(their offrates are likely slower than stated here and therefore theiraffinities are likely even higher). Antibody G1 Fab dissociatedextremely slowly from all CGRPs (except α-rat CGRP) with offrates thatapproached the resolution limit of the Biacore assay (especially at 25°C.). **Solution affinity determined by measuring the depletion ofbinding responses detected at CGRP on the chip for antibody G1 Fabpre-incubated with solution-based rat α-CGRP competitor.

Table 6 below shows antibodies having the amino acid sequence variationas compared to antibody G1 and their affinities to both rat α-CGRP andhuman α-CGRP. All amino acid substitutions of the variants shown inTable 6 are described relative to the sequence of G1. The bindingaffinities of Fab fragments were determined by Biacore by flowing themacross CGRPs on a SA chip.

TABLE 6 Amino acid sequences and binding affinity data for antibody G1variants determined at 37° C. by Biacore. α-rat α-rat α-human α-humanClone L1 L2 H2 HC-FW3 k_(off) (1/s) K_(D) (nM) k_(off) (1/s) K_(D) (nM)G1 3.99 × 10⁻⁴   2.57 3.63 × 10⁻⁵  0.063 M1 A100L 1.10 × 10⁻³ 1.73 ×10⁻⁴ M2 L99A  2.6 × 10⁻³ 58   3.1 × 10⁻⁴ 3   A100R M3 L99A  2.0 × 10⁻³61   2.1 × 10⁻⁴ 1.7  A100S M4 L99A 1.52 × 10⁻³  84.4 6.95 × 10⁻⁵ 0.43A100V M5 L99A 7.35 × 10⁻⁴  40.8 3.22 × 10⁻⁵ 0.20 A100Y M6 L99N 7.84 ×10⁻⁴  43.6 1.33 × 10⁻⁴ 0.83 M7 L99N 9.18 × 10⁻⁴  51.0 2.43 × 10⁻⁴ 1.52A100C M8 L99N 7.45 × 10⁻⁴  41.4 9.20 × 10⁻⁵ 0.58 A100G M9 L99N n.d. n.d.1.00 × 10⁻⁵ 0.06 A100Y M10 L99S 1.51 × 10⁻³  83.9 1.73 × 10⁻⁴ 1.08 A100SM11 L99S 4.83 × 10⁻³ 268.3 2.83 × 10⁻⁴ 1.77 A100T M12 L99S 1.94 × 10⁻³107.8 1.01 × 10⁻⁴ 0.63 A100V M13 L99T 1.84 × 10⁻³ 102.2 1.86 × 10⁻⁴ 1.16A100G M14 L99T n.d. n.d. 1.00 × 10⁻⁵ 0.06 A100K M15 L99T 1.15 × 10⁻³ 63.9 1.58 × 10⁻⁵ 0.10 A100P M16 L99T 9.96 × 10⁻⁴  55.3 1.65 × 10⁻⁴ 1.03A100S M17 L99T 2.06 × 10⁻³ 114.4 1.85 × 10⁻⁴ 1.16 A100V M18 L99V 1.22 ×10⁻³  67.8 7.03 × 10⁻⁵ 0.44 A100G M19 L99V n.d. n.d. 1.00 × 10⁻⁵ 0.06A100R M20 R28W L99R 1.44 × 10⁻³  80.0 1.36 × 10⁻⁴ 0.85 A100L M21 R28WL99S 6.95 × 10⁻⁴  15.2 1.42 × 10⁻⁴ 1.23 M22 R28W L99T 1.10 × 10⁻³  61.11.16 × 10⁻⁴ 0.73 M23 R28G L99T 7.99 × 10⁻⁴  44.4 1.30 × 10⁻⁴ 0.81 A100VM24 R28L L99T 1.04 × 10⁻³  57.8 1.48 × 10⁻⁴ 0.93 A100V M25 R28N L99T 1.4 × 10⁻³ 76   1.4 × 10⁻⁴ 1.3  A100V M26 R28N A57G L99T 9.24 × 10⁻⁴ 51.3 1.48 × 10⁻⁴ 0.93 A100V M27 R28N L99T 3.41 × 10⁻³ 189.4 3.57 × 10⁻⁴2.23 T30A A100V M28 R28N E54R L99T 1.25 × 10⁻³  69.4 9.96 × 10⁻⁵ 0.62T30D A57N A100V M29 R28N L99T 3.59 × 10⁻³ 199.4 3.80 × 10⁻⁴ 2.38 T30GA100V M30 R28N E54K L99T 6.38 × 10⁻³ 354.4 5.90 × 10⁻⁴ 3.69 T30G A57EA100V M31 R28N E54K L99T 3.61 × 10⁻³ 200.6 3.47 × 10⁻⁴ 2.17 T30G A57GA100V M32 R28N E54K L99T 2.96 × 10⁻³ 164.4 2.71 × 10⁻⁴ 1.69 T30G A57HA100V M33 R28N E54K L99T 9.22 × 10⁻³ 512.2 7.50 × 10⁻⁴ 4.69 T30G A57NA100V S58G M34 R28N E54K L99T 2.17 × 10⁻³ 120.6 6.46 × 10⁻⁴ 4.04 T30GA57N A100V S58T M35 R28N E54K L99T 3.99 × 10⁻³ 221.7 3.39 × 10⁻⁴ 2.12T30G A57S A100V M36 R28N L99T 4.79 × 10⁻³ 266.1 2.39 × 10⁻⁴ 1.49 T30RA100V M37 R28N A57G L99T 1.45 × 10⁻³  80.6 2.26 × 10⁻⁴ 1.41 T30S A100VM38 R28N L99T 5.11 × 10⁻³ 283.9 2.18 × 10⁻⁴ 1.36 T30W A100V M39 R28NG50A A57N L99T 9.95 × 10⁻³ 552.8 4.25 × 10⁻⁴ 2.66 L56T S58Y A100V M40R28N G50A E54K L99T 0.36  20000.0  1.28 × 10⁻³ 8.00 L56T A57L A100V M41R28N G50A E54K L99T 4.53 × 10⁻³ 251.7 2.10 × 10⁻⁴ 1.31 L56T A57N A100VE64D M42 R28N G50A E54K L99T 7.52 × 10⁻³ 417.8 4.17 × 10⁻⁴ 2.61 L56TA57N A100V H61F M43 R28N G50A E54K L99T 4.53 × 10⁻³ 251.7 2.63 × 10⁻⁴1.64 L56T A57N A100V S58C M44 R28N G50A E54K L99T 6.13 × 10⁻³ 443  2.10 × 10⁻⁴ 2.05 L56T A57N A100V S58E M45 R28N G50A E54K L99T5.58 × 10⁻³ 259   2.11 × 10⁻⁴ 1.85 L56T A57N A100V S58E E64D M46 R28NG50A E54K L99T 2.94 × 10⁻³ 163.3 5.39 × 10⁻⁴ 3.37 L56T A57N A100V S58EH61F M47 R28N G50A E54K L99T 8.23 × 10⁻³ 457.2 3.32 × 10⁻⁴ 2.08 L56TA57N A100V S58G M48 R28N G50A E54K L99T 0.0343 1905.6  8.42 × 10⁻⁴ 5.26L56T A57N A100V S58L M49 R28N G50A E54K L99T 0.0148 822.2 5.95 × 10⁻⁴3.72 L56T A57N A100V S58Y H61F M50 R28N G50A E54K L99T 5.30 × 10⁻³ 294.44.06 × 10⁻⁴ 2.54 L56T A57R A100V M51 R28N L56I E54K L99T 1.18 × 10⁻³ 65.6 1.31 × 10⁻⁴ 0.82 A57G A100V M52 R28N L56I E54K L99T 2.29 × 10⁻³127.2 2.81 × 10⁻⁴ 1.76 A57N A100V S58A M53 R28N L56I E54K L99T 1.91 ×10⁻³ 106.1 3.74 × 10⁻⁴ 2.34 A57N A100V S58G M54 R28N G50A E54K L99T 2.16× 10⁻³ 120.0 1.79 × 10⁻³ 11.19  T30A A57N A100V S58P M55 R28N L56S E54KL99T 5.85 × 10⁻³ 325.0 4.78 × 10⁻⁴ 2.99 T30A A57N A100V S58E E64D M56R28N L56S E54K L99T 9.35 × 10⁻³ 519.4 4.79 × 10⁻⁴ 2.99 T30D A57N A100VH61F M57 R28N L56S E54K L99T 0.0104 1,200    3.22 × 10⁻⁴ 3.08 T30D A57NA100V S58E M58 R28N L56S E54K L99T No binding n.d. 1.95 × 10⁻³ 12.19 T30D A57N A100V S581 H61F M59 R28N L56S E54K L99T 0.0123 683.3 5.24 ×10⁻⁴ 3.28 T30D A57N A100V S58N H61F M60 R28N L56S E54K L99T 0.02721511.1  9.11 × 10⁻⁴ 5.69 T30D A57N A100V S58R H61F M61 R28N A51H E54QL99T 5.21 × 10⁻³ 289.4 4.59 × 10⁻⁴ 2.87 T30G A57N A100V H61F M62 R28NA51H E54K L99T 5.75 × 10⁻³ 242   5.57 × 10⁻⁴ 5.86 T30G L56T A57N A100VS58E M63 R28N G50A E54K L99T 2.65 × 10⁻³ 147.2 1.50 × 10⁻³ 9.38 T30GA57N A100V S58T M64 R28N G50A E54K L99T 0.0234 1300.0  1.32 × 10⁻³ 8.25T30G A57N A100V S58V M65 R28N G50A E54K L99T 4.07 × 10⁻³ 226.1 8.03 ×10⁻⁴ 5.02 T30G L56I A57C A100V M66 R28N L56I E54K L99T 5.11 × 10⁻³ 283.95.20 × 10⁻⁴ 3.25 T30G A57E A100V M67 R28N L56I E54K L99T 1.71 × 10⁻³ 95.0 8.20 × 10⁻⁴ 5.13 T30G A57F A100V M68 R28N L56I E54K L99T 6.76 ×10⁻³ 375.6 4.28 × 10⁻⁴ 2.68 T30G A57N A100V S58D E64D M69 R28N L56I E54KL99T 1.81 × 10⁻³ 100.6 7.33 × 10⁻⁴ 4.58 T30G A57N A100V S58E M70 R28NL56I E54K L99T 6.07 × 10⁻³ 337.2 5.59 × 10⁻⁴ 3.49 T30G A57S A100V M71R28N L56I E54K L99T 2.12 × 10⁻³ 117.8 1.28 × 10⁻³ 8.00 T30G A57Y A100VM72 R28N L56S E54K L99T 3.95 × 10⁻³ 219.4 4.00 × 10⁻⁴ 2.50 T30G A100VM73 R28N L56S E54K L99T 3.00 × 10⁻³ 166.7 2.55 × 10⁻⁴ 1.59 T30G A57NA100V S58Y E64D M74 R28N L56S E54K L99T 6.03 × 10⁻³ 335.0 5.97 × 10⁻⁴3.73 T30G A57S A100V M75 R28N L56S E54K L99T 1.87 × 10⁻² 1038.9  1.16 ×10⁻³ 7.25 T30G A57V A100V M76 R28N G50A A57G L99T 1.16 × 10⁻³  64.4 3.64× 10⁻⁴ 2.28 T30S L56T A100V M77 R28N G50A E54K L99T 0.0143 794.4 4.77 ×10⁻⁴ 2.98 T30S L56T A57D A100V M78 R28N G50A E54K L99T 0.167  9277.8 1.31 × 10⁻³ 8.19 T30S L56T A57N A100V S58T M79 R28N G50A E54K L99T 0.19 10555.6  1.29 × 10⁻³ 8.06 T30S L56T A57P A100V M80 R28N L56I E54K L99T0.0993 5516.7  2.09 × 10⁻³ 13.06  T30S A57N A100V S58V M81 R28N L56SE54K L99T 4.29 × 10⁻³ 238.3 4.90 × 10⁻⁴ 3.06 T30S A57N A100V S58E M82R28N A51H A57N L99T 6.99 × 10⁻³ 388.3 8.77 × 10⁻⁴ 5.48 T30V L56T A100VM83 R28N A51H E54K L99T No binding n.d. 9.33 × 10⁻⁴ 5.83 T30V L56T A57NA100V S58M H61F M84 R28N A51H E54N L99T 1.76 × 10⁻² 977.8 1.08 × 10⁻³6.75 T30V L56T A57N A100V All CDRs including both Kabat and ChothiaCDRs. Amino acid residues are numbered sequentially (see FIG. 5). Allclones have L3sequences identical to G1. K_(D) = k_(off)/k_(on). Allk_(off) values were determined in a screening mode except those that areunderlined, which were obtained by global analysis of a Fabconcentration series (G1 was analyzed in a high-resolution mode).Underlined K_(D) values were therefore determined experimentally bymeasuring k_(on). Other k_(on) values were estimated to be the same asM25. n.d. = not determined

To determine the epitope on human α-CGRP that is recognized by antibodyG1, Biacore assays described above were used. Human α-CGRP was purchasedas an N-biotinylated version to enable its high-affinity capture via SAsensor chips. The binding of G1 Fab fragment to the human α-CGRP on thechip in the absence or presence of a CGRP peptide was determined.Typically, a 2000:1 mol peptide/Fab solution (e.g., 10 uM peptide in 50nM G1 Fab) was injected across human α-CGRP on the chip. FIG. 6 showsthe percentage of binding blocked by competing peptide. Data shown inFIG. 6 indicate that peptides that block 100% binding of G1 Fab to humanα-CGRP are 1-37 (WT), 8-37, 26-37, P29A (19-37), K35A (19-37), K35E(19-37), and K35M (19-37) of human α-CGRP; 1-37 of β-CGRP (VVT); 1-37 ofrat α-CGRP (VVT); and 1-37 of rat β-CGRP (VVT). All these peptides areamidated at the C-terminus. Peptides F37A (19-37) and 19-37 (the latternot amidated at the C-terminus) of human α-CGRP also blocked about 80%to 90% of binding of G1 Fab to human α-CGRP. Peptide 1-36 (not amidatedat the C-terminus) of human α-CGRP blocked about 40% of binding of G1Fab to human α-CGRP. Peptide fragment 19-36 (amidated at the C-terminus)of human α-CGRP; peptide fragments 1-13 and 1-19 of human α-CGRP(neither of which are amidated at the C-terminus); and human amylin,calcitonin, and adrenomedullin (all amidated at the C-terminus) did notcompete with binding of G1 Fab to human α-CGRP on the chip. These datademonstrate that G1 targets a C-terminal epitope of CGRP and that boththe identity of the most terminal residue (F37) and its amidation isimportant for binding.

Binding affinities of G1 Fab to variants of human α-CGRP (at 37° C.) wasalso determined. Table 7 below shows the affinities as measured directlyby titrating G1 Fab across N-biotinylated human α-CGRP and variants onthe chip. Data in Table 7 indicate that antibody G1 binds to aC-terminal epitope with F37 and G33 being the most important residues.G1 does not bind to CGRP when an extra amino acid residue (alanine) isadded at the C-terminal (which is amidated).

TABLE 7 Binding affinities of G1 Fab to human α-CGRP and variantsmeasured at 37° C. (see Table 4 for their amino acid sequences) CGRP onchip k_(on) (1/Ms) k_(off) (1/s) K_(D) (nM) 1-37 (WT) 4.68 × 10⁵ 7.63 ×10⁻⁵ 0.16 (high resolution K_(D) = 0.06) 19-37 4.60 × 10⁵ 7.30 × 10⁻⁵0.16 25-37 3.10 × 10⁵ 8.80 × 10⁻⁵ 0.28 F27A (25-37) 3.25 × 10⁵ 1.24 ×10⁻⁴ 0.38 V28A (25-37) 3.32 × 10⁵ 9.38 × 10⁻⁵ 0.28 P29A (25-37) 2.26 ×10⁵ 1.78 × 10⁻⁴ 0.79 T30A (25-37) 1.79 × 10⁵ 8.41 × 10⁻⁵ 0.47 N31A(25-37) 2.17 × 10⁵ 1.14 × 10⁻⁴ 0.53 V32A (25-37) 2.02 × 10⁵ 3.46 × 10⁻⁴1.71 G33A (25-37) 2.07 × 10⁵ 0.0291 141 S34A (25-37) 2.51 × 10⁵ 7.64 ×10⁻⁴ 3.04 K35A (19-37) 2.23 × 10⁵ 2.97 × 10⁻⁴ 1.33 K35E (19-37) 5.95 ×10⁴ 5.79 × 10⁻⁴ 9.73 K35M (19-37) 2.63 × 10⁵ 1.34 × 10⁻⁴ 0.51 K35Q(19-37) 1.95 × 10⁵ 2.70 × 10⁻⁴ 1.38 F37A (25-37) 8.90 × 10⁴ 8.48 × 10⁻³95 (solution K_(D) = 172 nM) 38A (25-38A) — — No binding detected

The above data indicate that the epitope that antibody G1 binds is onthe C-terminal end of human α-CGRP, and amino acids 33 and 37 on humanα-CGRP are important for binding of antibody G1. Also, the amidation ofresidue F37 is important for binding.

Example 5: Effect of Anti-CGRP Antagonist Antibody G1 on SkinVasodilatation Induced by Stimulation of Rat Saphenous Nerve

To test antagonist activity of anti-CGRP antibody G1, effect of theantibody on skin vasodilatation by stimulation of rat saphenous nervewas tested using a rat model described in Example 3. Briefly, rats weremaintained anesthesia with 2% isoflurane. Bretylium tosylate (30 mg/kg,administered i.v.) was given at the beginning of the experiment tominimize vasoconstriction due to the concomitant stimulation ofsympathetic fibers of the saphenous nerve. Body temperature wasmaintained at 37° C. by the use of a rectal probe thermostaticallyconnected to a temperature controlled heating blanket. The saphenousnerve of the right hindlimb was exposed surgically, cut proximally andcovered with plastic wrap to prevent drying. A laser Doppler probe wasplaced over the medio-dorsal side of the hindpaw skin, which is theregion innervated by the saphenous nerve. Skin blood flow, measured asblood cell flux, was monitored with a laser Doppler flow meter. Inexperiments to determine effects of antibody within two hours ofinjection thirty to forty five minutes after bretylium tosylateinjection, when a stable base-line flux (less than 5% variation) wasestablished for at least 5 min, the nerve was placed over platinumbipolar electrodes and electrically stimulated (2 Hz, 10V, 1 ms, for 30sec) and again 20 minutes later. The average of the blood flow fluxresponse to these two stimulations was used to establish the baselineresponse (time 0) to electrical stimulation. Antibody G1 (1 mg/kg or 10mg/kg) or vehicle (PBS with 0.01% Tween 20 equal volume to 10 mg/kg G1)were then administered intravenously (i.v.). The nerve was subsequentlystimulated (2 Hz, 10V, 1 ms, for 30 sec) at 30 min, 60 min, 90 min, and120 min after the antibody administration. Animals were kept underanesthesia for a period of approximately three hours. Cumulative changein skin blood flow was estimated by the area under the flux-time curve(AUC, which is equal to change in flux multiplied by change in time) foreach flux response to electrical pulse stimulations.

As shown in FIG. 7, blood flow increase stimulated by applyingelectronic pulses on saphenous nerve was significantly inhibited by thepresence of antibody G1 at 1 mg/kg (administered i.v.) as compared tothe vehicle, when the saphenous nerve was electrically stimulated at 90min after the antibody administration. Blood flow increase stimulated byapplying electronic pulses on saphenous nerve was significantlyinhibited by the presence of antibody G1 at 10 mg/kg (administered i.v.)as compared to the vehicle, when the saphenous nerve was electricallystimulated at 90 minutes and 120 minutes after antibody administration.

In experiments to determine effects of the antibodies at longer timepoints in the saphenous assay, rats were injected i.v. with theindicated doses of antibody 24 hours or 7 days prior to preparing theanimal for saphenous nerve stimulation as described above. In theseexperiments it was impossible to establish a baseline response inindividual rats to electrical pulse stimulation prior to dosing, sotreated groups were compared to animals dosed with vehicle (PBS, 0.01%Tween 20) at 24 hours or 7 days.

As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B blood flow increases in the dorso-medialhindpaw skin evoked by saphenous nerve stimulation were significantlyinhibited in the groups of animals dosed with either 10 mg/kg or 3 mg/kgG1 at either 24 hours or 7 days prior to stimulation as compared tovehicle groups dosed at the same time points.

FIG. 8C represents a curve fit analysis applied to the dose responsedata represented in FIGS. 8A and 8B to determine the dose required for50% maximal effect (EC₅₀). The EC₅₀ at 24 hours is 1.3 mg/kg and theEC₅₀ at 7 days is slightly lower (0.8 mg/kg).

Example 6: Acute Effect of Anti-CGRP Antagonist Antibody mu7E9 in aDural Artery (Closed Cranial Window) Assay

Closed Cranial Window Model: The purpose of this experiment was todetermine the acute effect of anti-CGRP antagonist antibodies andcompare it with the acute effect of the CGRP receptor antagonistBIBN4096BS. Experiments were carried out as previously described(Williamson et al., Cephalalgia 17(4):518-24 (1997)) with the followingmodifications. Sprague Dawley rats (300-400 g) were anesthetized with 70mg/kg i.p. pentobarbital. Anesthesia was maintained with 20 mg/kg/hri.v. pentobarbital. Rats were cannulated through the jugular vein fordelivery of all drugs. Blood pressure was monitored with a probe(mikro-tip catheter, Millar Instruments) threaded through the femoralartery into the abdominal aorta. The rats were tracheotomized andbreathing rate was maintained at 75 breaths per minute at a volume of3.5 mL. After fixating the head in a stereotactic instrument andremoving the scalp, a 2×6 mm window in the left parietal area justlateral to the sagittal suture was made by thinning the bone with adental drill. Using a micromanipulator, a platinum bipolar electrode waslowered onto the surface and covered with heavy mineral oil. Lateral tothe electrode window another window of 5×6 mm was created and filledwith heavy mineral oil through which the diameter of a branch of themiddle meningeal artery (MMA) was continuously monitored with a CCDcamera and a video dimension analyzer (Living Systems). The rats wererested for no less than 45 minutes after the preparation. A baselineresponse to electrical stimulation was established (15 V, 10 hz, 0.5 mspulses, 30 seconds) and then rats were dosed i.v. with experimentalcompound (10 mg/kg mu7E9, 300 μg/kg BIBN4096BS or PBS 0.01% Tween 20).Additional electrical stimulations were done at 5 (BIBN4096BS), 30, 60,90 and 120 minutes after dosing. All data was recorded using chartsoftware (ADInstruments).

As shown in FIG. 9 mu7E9 at 10 mg/kg significantly blocks MMA dilationevoked by electrical field stimulation within 60 minutes after dosingand maintains the effect throughout the duration of the assay (120minutes). For comparison BIBN4096BS blocks MMA dilation within 5 minutesof dosing but the effect has completely disappeared by 90 minutes. Themagnitude of the block is comparable between BIBN4096BS and mu7E9.

Example 7: Chronic Effect of Anti-CGRP Antagonist Antibody G1 in a DuralArtery (Closed Cranial Window) Assay

The purpose of this experiment was to determine if the anti CGRPantibody could still block electrically stimulated MMA dilation 7 daysafter dosing. Preparation of the rats was identical to the abovedescribed acute experiment (Example 6) with the following exceptions.Rats were injected i.v. (10 mg/kg, 3 mg/kg or 1 mg/kg G1) 7 days priorto creating the closed cranial window prep and stimulation. It wasimpossible to establish a baseline dilation response to electricalstimulation prior to dosing as in the acute experiment so the antibodygroups were compared to dilation of the MMA in a vehicle (PBS, 0.01%Tween 20) dosed control group. After the rats were allowed to rest forno less than 45 minutes the dura was electrically stimulated at 30minute intervals. Stimulations were at 2.5V, 5V, 10V, 15V and 20V, allat 10 Hz, 0.5 ms pulses for 30 seconds.

As shown in FIG. 10 G1 at 10 mg/kg and 3 mg/kg significantly blocked MMAdilation evoked by electrical stimulation in the range of 10 to 20volts. This data demonstrates that G1 can block electrically stimulatedMMA dilation up to 7 days after dosing.

Example 8: Morphine Withdrawal Hot Flush Model

The morphine withdrawal rat model is an established rodent model formenopausal hot flush mechanisms (Sipe et al., Brain Res. 1028(2):191-202(2004); Merchenthaler et al., Maturitas 30:307-316 (1998); Katovich etal., Brain Res. 494:85-94 (1989); Simpkins et al., Life Sciences32:1957-1966 (1983)). Basically the rats are addicted to morphine byimplanting morphine pellets under the skin. Upon addiction the animalsare injected with naloxone (opioid antagonist) which sends them intowithdrawal immediately. This withdrawal is accompanied by a skintemperature increase, a core body temperature decrease, an increase inheart rate and an increase in serum luteinizing hormone. These are allsimilar in magnitude and timing to what occurs in human hot flush(Simpkins et al., Life Sciences 32:1957-1966 (1983)). Furthermore, ifrats are treated with estradiol prior to inducing withdrawal, thesymptoms of hot flush are reduced (Merchenthaler et al., Maturitas30:307-316 (1998)). This is why the morphine withdrawal model isbelieved to mimic clinical hot flush.

Ovariectomized rats were ordered from Charles River Laboratories. Notless than 7 days post ovariectomy morphine dependency was created byimplanting a morphine pellet (75 mg morphine base) subcutaneously. Twodays later 2 more pellets were implanted. The following day rats wereinjected intravenously with either 10 mg/kg 4901 [**] or vehicle (PBS,0.01% tween). Two days after the second pelleting the rats wereanesthetized with ketamine (90 mg/kg) and lightly restrained. A surfacetemperature thermocouple was taped to the base of the tail and a rectalthermocouple is used to measure core temperature. Data was recordedusing Chart software (ADInstruments). After recording 15 minutes ofstable baseline temperature, naloxone (1 mg/kg) was injectedsubcutaneously. Temperature was recorded continuously for the next 60minutes. The results are shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B.

Example 9: Treatment of Chronic Migraine

A male human subject age 45 years old is identified as having hadchronic migraine for at least three months. Identification of having hadchronic migraine is achieved by observing a history of frequentheadaches suggestive of chronic migraine (e.g., 15 days per month) forat least three months prior to screening. Verification of headachefrequency is achieved through prospectively collected baselineinformation demonstrating headaches on at least 15 days, with at least 8days per month fulfilling any one of the following: i. qualify as beinga migraine attack; and/or ii. preceded or accompanied by migraine aura.

In order to reduce incidence of migraine in the subject, the subject isadministered with a dose of 225 mg of anti-CGRP antagonist antibody(e.g., antibody G1). The anti-CGRP antagonist antibody is supplied as aliquid formulation at a concentration of 150 mg/mL. The 225 mg dose isadministered as a subcutaneous injection of 1.5 mL the back of an upperarm of the subject's body. Alternatively, the dose may be provided tothe subject via intravenous infusion. In such cases, 5.85 mL of 150mg/mL anti-CGRP antibody may be combined with 0.9% Sodium ChlorideSolution (Normal Saline) in an IV bag for a total volume of 130 mL inthe bag. 100 mL of the IV bag volume is intravenously infused to thesubject over the course of one hour, for a total dose of 225 mg. Dosingis repeated every twenty-eight days until a reduced incidence ofmigraine is observed. A reduced incidence of chronic migraine isexamined using a variety of criteria that include the number of headachedays, the number of hours for which headaches occur (e.g., headachehours), the severity of headaches, and the number of migraine daysobserved in the subject.

Example 10: Treatment of Chronic Migraine

A female human subject age 37 years old is identified as having hadchronic migraine for at least three months. Identification of having hadchronic migraine is achieved by observing a history of frequentheadaches suggestive of chronic migraine (e.g., 15 days per month) forat least three months prior to screening. Verification of headachefrequency is achieved through prospectively collected baselineinformation demonstrating headaches on at least 15 days, with at least 8days per month fulfilling any one of the following: i. qualify as beinga migraine attack; and/or ii. preceded or accompanied by migraine aura.

In order to reduce incidence of migraine in the subject, the subject isadministered with an initial loading dose of 675 mg of anti-CGRPantagonist antibody (e.g., antibody G1). The anti-CGRP antagonistantibody is supplied as a liquid formulation at a concentration of 150mg/mL. The 675 mg loading dose is administered as three 225 mgsubcutaneous injections of 1.5 mL to various regions (e.g., back ofupper arms, lower abdomen/belly/waistline, front of thighs, etc.) of thesubject's body. Dosing is repeated every twenty-eight days at 225 mg(e.g., via one 1.5 mL subcutaneous injection in the subject's arm) untila reduced incidence of migraine is observed. A reduced incidence ofchronic migraine is examined using a variety of criteria that includethe number of headache days, the number of hours for which headachesoccur (e.g., headache hours), the severity of headaches, and the numberof migraine days observed in the subject.

Example 11: Treatment of Chronic Migraine

A male human subject age 23 years old is identified as having hadchronic migraine for at least three months. Identification of having hadchronic migraine is achieved by observing a history of frequentheadaches suggestive of chronic migraine (e.g., 15 days per month) forat least three months prior to screening. Verification of headachefrequency is achieved through prospectively collected baselineinformation demonstrating headaches on at least 15 days, with at least 8days per month fulfilling any ONE of the following: i. qualify as beinga migraine attack; and/or ii. preceded or accompanied by migraine aura.

In order to reduce incidence of migraine in the subject, the subject isadministered with a dose of 900 mg of anti-CGRP antagonist antibody(e.g., antibody G1). The anti-CGRP antagonist antibody is supplied as aliquid formulation at a concentration of 150 mg/mL. The 900 mg dose isadministered as four 225 mg subcutaneous injections of 1.5 mL to variousregions (e.g., back of upper arms, lower abdomen/belly/waistline, frontof thighs, etc.) of the subject's body. Dosing is repeated everytwenty-eight days until a reduced incidence of migraine is observed. Areduced incidence of chronic migraine is examined using a variety ofcriteria that include the number of headache days, the number of hoursfor which headaches occur (e.g., headache hours), the severity ofheadaches, and the number of migraine days observed in the subject.

Example 12: Treatment of Episodic Migraine

A male human subject age 28 years old is identified as having hadepisodic migraine at high frequency. Subjects are identified as havingepisodic migraine at high frequency using criteria that include: havinga history of headaches on more than 8 days per month for at least 3months prior to screening; and verification of headache frequencythrough prospectively collected baseline information demonstratingheadaches (of any type) on 8 to 14 days with at least 8 days fulfillingcriteria for at least one of the following: i. migraine; ii. probablemigraine; and/or iii. use of triptans or ergot compounds.

In order to reduce incidence of migraine in the subject, the subject isadministered with a dose of 675 mg of anti-CGRP antagonist antibody(e.g., antibody G1). The anti-CGRP antagonist antibody is supplied as aliquid formulation at a concentration of 150 mg/mL. The 675 mg dose isadministered as three 225 mg subcutaneous injections of 1.5 mL tovarious regions (e.g., back of upper arms, lowerabdomen/belly/waistline, front of thighs, etc.) of the subject's body.Dosing is repeated every twenty-eight days until a reduced incidence ofmigraine is observed. A reduced incidence of episodic migraine isexamined using a variety of criteria that include the number of headachedays, the number of hours for which headaches occur (e.g., headachehours), the severity of headaches, and the number of migraine daysobserved in the subject.

Example 13: Treatment of Episodic Migraine

A female human subject age 52 years old is identified as having hadepisodic migraine at high frequency. Subjects are identified as havingepisodic migraine at high frequency using criteria that include: havinga history of headaches on more than 8 days per month for at least 3months prior to screening; and verification of headache frequencythrough prospectively collected baseline information demonstratingheadaches (of any type) on 8 to 14 days with at least 8 days fulfillingcriteria for at least one of the following: i. migraine; ii. probablemigraine; and/or iii. use of triptans or ergot compounds.

In order to reduce incidence of migraine in the subject, the subject isadministered with a dose of 225 mg of anti-CGRP antagonist antibody(e.g., antibody G1). The anti-CGRP antagonist antibody is supplied as aliquid formulation at a concentration of 150 mg/mL. The 225 mg dose isadministered as a subcutaneous injection of 1.5 mL to the back of anupper arm of the subject's body. Dosing is repeated every twenty-eightdays until a reduced incidence of migraine is observed. A reducedincidence of episodic migraine is examined using a variety ofobservations that include observing the number of headache days, thenumber of hours for which headaches occur, the severity of headaches,and the number of migraine days in the subject.

Example 14: Non-clinical Toxicology and Pharmacokinetics

Anti-CGRP antagonist antibody G1 was well-tolerated in 1-month IVrepeat-dose toxicity studies in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and cynomolgusmonkeys and no target organ toxicity was determined in either of thesestudies. A no adverse event level (NOAEL) of 100 mg/kg/week wasestablished for both the rat and monkey studies. This dose levelcorresponded to systemic exposure with a maximum concentration (Cmax) of2,570 and 3,440 μg/mL and areas under the curve (AUC(0-168 h)) of194,000 μg·h/mL and 299,000 μg·h/mL (Day 22) in rats and monkeys,respectively.

In a 3-month IV/SC rat study, no target organ toxicities were identifiedand G1 was well-tolerated up to the highest tested dose, 300 mg/kg. In a3-month monkey study, perivascular inflammation of the ciliary artery,as the result of the deposition of immune complexes was observed at 100mg/kg. This finding was attributed to the monkey's immunogenic responseto a humanized antibody and was not considered to be clinicallyrelevant. The highest tested dose of 300 mg/kg in this monkey study areat least 10-fold greater than the highest anticipated clinical dose of2,000 mg or 29 mg/kg on a mg/kg basis (assuming an average subjectweight of 70 kg).

Example 15: Clinical Pharmacokinetics

The PK of antibody G1 following single IV exposure was examined in fourrandomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind studies examining dosesbetween 10 and 2,000 mg. Maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax) werereached shortly after the end of the 1-hour IV infusion. Median time toCmax (Tmax) ranged from 1.0 to 3.0 hours, followed by a multiphasicdecline. Cmax and total exposure increased approximately linearly withescalating doses of G1. Terminal half-life (t %) ranged from 36.4 to48.3 days. There is no evidence of G1 metabolism in the liver, theprimary mode of metabolism is by proteosomic degradation.

One study defined the pharmacokinetics of 30 mg and 300 mg doses giventwice, two weeks apart. Maximum concentrations and area under theconcentration-time profile increased with increasing dose. The apparentterminal half-life (t %) after the second dose was 41.2 days (30 mg) and50.0 days (300 mg) (arithmetic mean). The plasma accumulation ratios ofG1 after two IV doses administered 15 days apart were 1.5 (30 mg) and1.4 (300 mg).

Example 16: Clinical Safety and Pharmacokinetics

In six studies, antibody G1 was administered to 118 healthy males andfemales, while 57 male and female subjects received placebo. The studyincluded single IV doses ranging from 0.2 mg up to 2,000 mg, two IVdoses of up to 300 mg given once every 14 days, and SC administration of225 and 900 mg. The six studies included: two IV single dose escalationPK and pharmacodynamics (PD) studies in healthy males (studies B0141001and B0141002); a two-cohort, placebo controlled cross-over study toexamine the acute effects of IV administration of antibody G1 oncapsaicin flare response in healthy volunteers (B0141006); a parallelgroup repeat dose study of antibody G1 in healthy male and femalevolunteers (B0141007); a single dose study evaluating the safety andtolerability of doses up to 2,000 mg administered IV to healthy femalevolunteers (B0141008), and a study comparing the relative safety andbioavailability between IV and SC administration (G1-SC-IV).

The six studies are summarized below in Table 11. Of the five IV studies(B0141001, B0141002, B0141006, B0141007 and B0141008), three hadvirtually identical designs and assessments. Study B014100 tested dosesof 0.2 mg, 1 mg, and 3 mg given as a single one-hour IV infusion. Thestudy had a parallel design. Participants were confined in the clinicfor seven days after the infusion, with multiple assessments on each ofthese days. After discharge, patients were reassessed one week afterdischarge (day14), and then one, two, and three months after theinfusion. Study B0141002 tested doses ranging from 10 mg to 1000 mg as asingle administration. Finally, Study B0141008 tested doses of 300 mg,1000 mg, 1500 mg, or 2000 mg. Study B0141006 was distinct from theothers since it also aimed to integrate pharmacodynamic readouts throughmeasuring capsaicin flare inhibition up to one week after IV infusion ofantibody G1.

For the IV studies, adverse events (AEs) profiles were reported for thefirst dosed period only. Study B0141007 tested multiple doses ofantibody G1 at either 30 or 300 mg IV given two weeks apart, using aparallel design. Each eligible subject was assigned a randomizationsequence via an interactive Web-based system that contained thetreatment assignment. The randomization schema was developed by the leadstatistician. Participants in all studies were generally healthy men andwomen (from 18 to 65 years of age); all participants signed informedconsent forms. All studies were approved by investigation review boards(IRBs). AEs were defined as any untoward medical occurrence in clinicalstudy participants, with or without causal relationship to study drug.AEs observed after administration of the study drug or placebo weretermed “treatment-emergent” AE (TEAEs) regardless of potential causalitywith the study drug. All subjects experiencing TEAEs were followed atappropriate time intervals until the event had resolved or until theevent had stabilized and/or reached a new baseline. All TEAEs wereranked as being mild, moderate, or severe. Serious AEs (SAEs) weredefined a priori as any untoward medical occurrence that at any doseresulted in death, was life threatening (i.e. the subject was atimmediate risk of death at the time of the event), required inpatienthospitalization or prolongation of existing hospitalization, resulted inpersistent or significant disability/incapacity (e.g., a substantialdisruption of the subject's ability to carry out normal life functions),resulted in a congenital anomaly/birth defect, or any other medicallyimportant event. Treatment-related AE (TRAEs) were to be considered whenone of the following situations was present: 1) a plausible temporalrelationship between the onset of the AE and administration of theinvestigational product could be identified; 2) the AE could not bereadily explained by the patient's clinical state, intercurrent illness,or concomitant therapies; 3) the AE abated on discontinuation of theinvestigational product or dose reduction.

Blood pressure, pulse rate and oral temperature were measured atscreening, pre-dose, immediately after the end of the infusion andmultiple times during the patients' confinements in the clinics, as wellas at all clinic visits. Laboratory tests included serum chemistries,hematology, and urinalysis. Hematology, chemistry, coagulation, andurine safety laboratory tests were performed at multiple study times.ECGs were recorded at screening, pre-dose on Day 1, immediately afterthe end of the infusion and five other times during the first day, aswell as in all clinic visits. QTcF values were derived usingFridericia's (QTcF) heart rate correction formula. Absolute values andchanges from baseline for the ECG parameters QT interval, heart rate,QTcF interval, PR interval and QRS interval were assessed by cohort,treatment, and time post-dose. In addition to the safety assessmentsdescribed above, Protocol B014008 included complete ophthalmicassessments at baseline and at three time points after dosing (Day 28,Day 84, and Day 168).

Clinical data and vital signs were summarized using descriptive tablesand summary statistics. Laboratory and other safety data were summarizedas a function of any change (values outside of the reference range), aswell as any clinical relevant changes, which were defined a priori.Summary tables were stratified by dose and data were pooled acrossstudies. In addition, comparisons for consolidated data for all antibodyG1 exposures were contrasted with placebo. Placebo was also contrastedwith antibody G1 doses of 100 mg and higher (100 mg, 300 mg, 1000 mg,1500 mg, and 2000 mg), and with antibody G1 doses of 1000 mg and higher(1000 mg, 1500 mg, and 2000 mg).

In the IV/SC study (G1-SC-IV), thirty-six subjects were randomized toreceive a single administration of antibody G1 (225 or 900 mg) orplacebo, delivered as either a subcutaneous (SC) bolus injection or a1-hour IV infusion. Subjects were confined in the clinical research unitfor seven days after dosing, and returned to the clinic periodically foradditional outpatient visits up to Study Day 90. ECGs were performedextensively on Day 1 (pre-dose, Hours 1, 6, 12), Day 3, Day 7 while thesubjects were confined and once at the completion of the study (Day 90).Vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure and heart rate, werecollected pre-dose, Days 1, 3, 7 and 90.

TABLE 11 Study Study population Treatment with Antibody G1 B0141001Healthy adult Single intravenous (IV) infusion of 0.2, men (n = 24) 1 or3 mg in cohorts of eight (six/cohort, active treatment; two in placebocohort) B0141002 Healthy adult Single IV infusion of 10, 30, 100, 300 ormen (n = 40) 1000 mg in cohorts of eight (six/cohort, active treatment;10 in placebo cohort) B0141006 Healthy adult Two cohorts modifiedcross-over, placebo men (n = 12) or 300 mg IV infusion in cohorts ofsix. In the first period, all participants received placebo. For thesecond period (included herein), 12 participants received placebo and 11received 300 mg. B0141007 Healthy adult Two IV infusions two weeks apartat 30 or men and women 300 mg in cohorts of 10 or 11 (six/cohort, (n =21) active treatment; nine in placebo cohort) B0141008 Healthy adultSingle IV infusion of 300, 1000, 1500, or women (n = 31) 2000 mg (fivein 2000 mg cohort; six/cohort remaining treatment groups; eight inplacebo cohort) G1-SC-IV Thirty-six Single subcutaneous (SC) bolusinjection subjects (n = 36) or single IV infusion of 225 or 900 mg

Across the broad range of dosages evaluated in the five IV studies (0.2to 2,000 mg), IV antibody G1 was acceptably tolerated. Table 8summarizes the overall adverse event (AE) rate by dose for the IVstudies. Based on these tolerability results, overt safety concerns havenot emerged. Across all trials in the IV studies, participants receivingplacebo reported an average of 1.3 treatment emergent adverse events(TEAEs). These are all reported events, regardless of the investigator'sopinion of relationship to study drug. Across all IV G1 doses, the ratewas 1.4 TEAEs/subject. Subjects receiving G1 doses of 100 mg or higherhad an average of 1.5 TEAEs; those receiving doses of 1,000 mg or higherhad an average of 1.6 TEAEs.

TABLE 8 Subject Subject Dose with with Subjects reduced or SubjectsNumber Subjects Serious Severe discontinued temporary Evaluated of AEs -with AE - AE - AE - for AEs - discontinuations- for AE n (N) n (N) n (N)n (N) n (N) n (N) Placebo 45 57 (11) 23 (8)  0 0 2 (1) 0 0.2 mg 6 5 (0)2 (0) 0 0 0 0 1 mg 6 1 (1) 3 (0) 0 0 0 0 3 mg 6 10 (2)  4 (1) 0 0 0 0 10mg 6 5 (1) 4 (1) 0 0 0 0 30 mg 12 21 (11) 8 (5) 0 0 0 0 100 mg 6 5 (1) 4(1) 0 0 0 0 300 mg 29 47 (10) 20 (7)  1 (1) 1 (1) 0 0 1000 mg 12 17 (4) 8 (4) 0 0 0 0 1500 mg 6 8 (0) 3 (0) 0 1 (0) 0 0 2000 mg 5 12 (2)  4 (1)0 0 0 1 (1) AE = adverse events; n = any event, treatment related ornot; (N) = considered treatment related by investigator. Note: Forprotocol B0141006 (placebo and 300 mg), only data for the first activetreatment period was included, due to its cross-over nature

In the IV studies, treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs, or AEs thatmight be related to the therapy according to the primary investigator)were reported in 21.2% of subjects receiving IV G1, compared to 17.7% inthose receiving placebo. At doses of 100 mg of G1 or higher, TRAEsoccurred in 22.4% of participants. At doses of 1,000 mg or higher, TRAEsoccurred in 21.7% of participants. Antibody G1 does not appear to beassociated with any clinically relevant patterns of change in vitalsigns (systolic and diastolic blood pressure [BP], temperature and heartrate [HR]), electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities (including QTcB andQTcF), infusion site reactions, or clinical laboratory findings. Therewere limited effects on liver function tests (aspartate aminotransferase[AST], alanine aminotransferase [ALT], total bilirubin, and alkalinephosphatase) with a grade 1 increase in total bilirubin in one subjectreceiving placebo (Study B0141001), and a grade 1 increase in ALT in onesubject receiving placebo (Study B0141002). Clinically significant liverfunction abnormalities were not seen among subjects receiving any of thestudied doses of G1. There was no evidence of differences between G1 andplacebo in hematological tests assessing renal function, electrolytes,or in urine tests.

In the IV/SC study (G1-SC-IV), safety and tolerability were comparablebetween SC and IV routes of delivery. Mean heart rate and blood pressure(diastolic and systolic) were not affected by antibody G1 treatment, norwere there any meaningful changes in any cardiovascular parameter aftertreatment with SC antibody G1. A summary of TRAEs observed during the SCstudy is shown below in Table 12.

TABLE 12 900 mg (N = 6) 225 mg (N = 6) Placebo (N = 6) GI disorders 2(33.3%) 0 1 (16.7%) CNS 0 1 (16.7%) 0 Infections and 0 0 0 InfestationsMusculoskeletal and 0 0 0 connective tissue Respiratory 0 0 0Reproductive and 0 0 0 Breast Disorders Injuries 0 0 0 Pregnancy 0 0 0Renal 1 (16.7%) 0 0 Vascular 0 0 0

In the single dose studies (B0141001, B0141002, B0141006 and B0141008),pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters were calculated for doses ranging from30 mg to 2,000 mg. Group mean terminal half-life (t_(1/2)) ranged fromapproximately 40 to 48 days. Cmax and total exposure (assessed byAUC_(inf)) increased with increasing dose. The increase in AUC_(inf)appeared to be approximately dose proportional between 30 and 1,000 mgand appeared to be greater than dose proportional between 1,000 and2,000 mg. The volume of distribution was low, between 6-10 L.

In the two dose study (B0141007), the apparent terminal half-life aftera second dose was between 41 and 50 days. Plasma concentrationsaccumulated after the second dose, with an accumulation ratio ofapproximately 1.5. Moreover, in the IV/SC study (G1-SC-IV),pharmacokinetic assessments indicated G1 had a similar terminalhalf-life when delivered SC as IV.

Example 17: Prevention of Chronic Migraine in a Clinical Study ofAntibody G1

A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy,placebo-controlled, parallel group, multi-dose study comparing anti-CGRPantagonist antibody G1 to placebo was performed in subjects havingchronic migraine. Qualifying subjects entered a baseline, 28-day run-inperiod. Subjects had their headache and health information captureddaily during the entire study, using an electronic headache diarysystem. No changes in migraine medication were allowed during the run-inperiod or study. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) males orfemales aged 18 to 65; (2) a signed and dated informed consent documentindicating that the subject has been informed of all pertinent aspectsof the study including any known and potential risks and availablealternative treatments; (3) chronic migraine meeting the diagnosticcriteria listed in the International Classification of HeadacheDisorders (ICHD-III beta version, 2013); (4) subjects may use up to twodifferent daily migraine preventive medications for migraine (e.g.,topiramate, propranolol, amitriptyline) or for other medical conditions(e.g. propranolol being used for hypertension) if the dose and regimenhas been stable for at least 2 months prior to beginning the 28-day runin period; (5) Body Mass Index (BMI) of 17.5 to 34.5 kg/m², and a totalbody weight between 50 kg and 120 kg, inclusive; (6) subject is eithernot of reproductive potential as defined in the methods or if subject isof reproductive potential, they agree either to remain abstinent or use(or have their partner use) an acceptable method of birth control withinthe projected duration of the study; (7) demonstrated compliance withthe electronic headache diary during the run-in period by entry ofheadache data on a minimum of 24/28 days (85% compliance). Chronicmigraine diagnostic criteria under (3) above were as follows: (a)history of frequent headaches suggesting of chronic migraine (15 daysper month) for at least three months prior to screening; (b)verification of headache frequency through prospectively collectedbaseline information during the 28-day run-in phase demonstratingheadaches on at least 15 days, with at least 8 days per month fulfillingany one of (i) qualify as being a migraine attack, (ii) preceded oraccompanied by migraine aura, or (iii) relieved by ergot or triptanderivatives.

Exclusion criteria required that subjects not meet any of the following:(1) Onset of chronic migraine after the age of 50 years; (2) subject hasreceived onabotulinum toxin A for migraine or for any medical orcosmetic reasons requiring injections in the head, face, or neck duringthe six months prior to screening; (3) subject uses medicationscontaining opioids (including codeine) or barbiturates (includingFiorinal®, Fioracet®, or any other combination containing butalbital) onmore than 4 days per month for the treatment of migraine or for anyother reason (4) failed >2 medication categories or >3 preventivemedications (within two medication categories) due to lack of efficacyfor prophylactic treatment of episodic or chronic migraine after anadequate therapeutic trial; (5) clinically significant hematological,renal, endocrine, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, genitourinary,neurologic, or ocular disease, at the discretion of the investigator;(6) subjects with evidence or medical history of clinically significantpsychiatric issues including major depression, panic disorder, orgeneralized anxiety disorder (according to Diagnostic and StatisticalManual 5th edition [DSM-5] criteria); (7) systolic blood pressure atscreening above 160 mm Hg or below 90 mm Hg; (8) diastolic bloodpressure at screening above 110 mm Hg or below 50 mm Hg; (9) history ofclinically significant cardiovascular disease or vascular ischemia (suchas myocardial, neurological [e.g., cerebral ischemia], peripheralextremity ischemia, or other ischemic event); (10) past or currenthistory of cancer, with the exception of those subjects with basal cellcarcinoma that has been excised; (11) pregnant or nursing females; (12)History of hypersensitivity reactions to injected proteins, includingmonoclonal antibodies; (13) treatment with an investigational drugwithin 30 days of study entry (14) a clinically significant abnormalityin the baseline 12-lead surface ECG, including sinus pauses >2 seconds,second or third degree heart block or other abnormalities judgedclinically significant by the investigator. (15) a baseline 12-lead ECGdemonstrating QTcF>450 msec for males and 470 msec for females atscreening (if QTcF exceeded these values, the ECG was repeated and theaverage of the three QTcF values used to determine the potentialsubject's eligibility; QTc obtained using Fridericia calculation); (16)any finding that, in the judgment of the investigator, is clinicallysignificantly abnormal, including hematology values, blood chemistries,coagulation tests or urinalysis (abnormal tests were permitted to berepeated for confirmation) (17) hepatic enzymes (alanineaminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alkalinephosphatase)>1.3 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) afterconfirmation in a repeat test; (18) serum creatinine>1.5 times the ULN,clinically significant proteinuria (urine dipstick+4) or evidence ofrenal disease.

Subjects confirmed to have chronic migraine and high compliance with thedaily headache diary during the run-in period were randomized at visit 2(day 1) into one of three treatment arms. Randomization was performedusing an electronic interactive web response system. Subjects werestratified based on gender and baseline migraine medication use.Treatment was administered once monthly (every 28 days) for a total ofthree treatments over a 3-month period. Treatment administrationoccurred at visit 2 (day 1; first dose), visit 3 (day 29; second dose),and visit 4 (day 57; third and final dose). Final study exit assessmentswere performed at visit 5 (day 85), approximately 28 days following thethird and final dose. Injections were administered subcutaneously over a3-month period (every 28 days) to subjects in each of the followinggroups: (1) those randomized to the 900 mg arm received four activeinjections every 28 days; (2) those randomized to the 675/225 mg armreceived three active and one placebo injection for the first treatment,and one active and three placebo injections for the second and thirdtreatments; (3) those randomized to placebo received four placeboinjections every 28 days. Active injections contained 225 mg of antibodyG1. Endpoints were derived from an electronic daily headache diary, aweb-based interactive system that recorded data for the previous 24-hourperiod. Overall headache duration was recorded numerically, in hours, aswell as number of hours with headache at each level of severity.Headache severity was subjectively rated by the subject at predefinedtime points as follows: no pain, mild pain, moderate pain, and severepain. Subjects were also asked to record whether the following associatesymptoms were present or absent at predefined time points: photophobia,phonophobia, nausea, and vomiting. An additional endpoint was derivedfrom monitoring the use triptans (e.g., sumatriptan) as an acuteanti-headache medication by study subjects throughout the course of thestudy. A summary of the disposition and demographics of subjects in thestudy is provided in Table 9.

TABLE 9 Placebo 675/225 mg 900 mg Total Randomized 89 88 87 264Completed 77 (86.5%) 72 (81.8%) 76 (87.4%) 225 Analyzed as 89 (100%)  87(98.9%) 85 (97.7%) 261 (98.9%) ITT In Safety 89 (100%)  88 (100%)  86(98.9%) 263 (99.6%) Analysis Did Not 12 (13.5%) 16 (18.2%) 11 (12.6%) 39 (14.8%) Complete Age (mean 40.7 40 41.5 40.75 years) % women 85.4%86.3% 86.2% 85.9% Years with 20.4 15.8 18.7 18.3 migraine

Average decrease in number of headache hours relative to baseline ateach of weeks 1, 2 and 3 (W1, W2, and W3, respectively) for each of thegroups are represented graphically in FIG. 15. Results show asignificant decrease in both treatment groups relative to the placebogroup at each of W1, W2 and W3, including the very first week.

Average decrease in number of headache hours relative to baseline ateach of months 1, 2, and 3 (M1, M2, and M3, respectively) for each ofthe groups are represented graphically in FIG. 12. Results show asignificant decrease in both treatment groups relative to the placebogroup at all three time-points, including after the very first dose.Statistical significance relative to the placebo group for data in FIG.12 is provided by the indicated p-values.

Average number of headache hours in each group at baseline, and atvisits 2, 3, and 4 (V2, V3, and V4, respectively) is representedgraphically in FIG. 13. Results show a significant decrease in bothtreatment groups relative to the placebo group at all three time-points,including after the very first dose.

Average decrease in number of headache days of moderate or severeintensity relative to baseline at each of months 1, 2, and 3 (M1, M2,and M3, respectively) for each of the groups are represented in FIG. 14.Results show a statistically significant decrease in both treatmentgroups relative to the placebo group at all three time-points, includingafter the very first dose. Statistical significance relative to theplacebo group is provided by the indicated p-values.

Average decrease in number of uses of triptans as an acute rescuemedication relative to baseline at each of months 1, 2, and 3 (M1, M2,and M3, respectively) for each of the groups are represented graphicallyin FIG. 16. Results show a significant decrease in triptan uses in bothtreatment groups relative to the placebo group at all three time-points,including after the very first dose. Statistical significance relativeto the placebo group is provided by the indicated p-values in FIG. 16.

A significant decrease in number of headache hours was also observed insubjects using prevention medications (e.g., topiramate andamitriptyline or propranolol) relative to a placebo group.

Both doses were well tolerated, and no safety issues emerged. A summaryof treatment emergent adverse events (TEAE) by group is provided inTable 10. The difference in related TEAE is almost totally explained byinjection related mild events (erythema, some discomfort). The seriousTEAE were not related to drug (no drug-related adverse events).

TABLE 10 Placebo 675/225 mg 900 mg N (%) N (%) N (%) TEAE 36 (40.4) 47(53.4) 41 (47.7) Related TEAE 15 (16.9) 25 (28.4) 28 (32.6) Serious TEAE1 (1.1) 1 (1.1) 2 (2.3) TEAE Causing 1 (1.1) 6 (6.8) 5 (5.8)Discontinuation Deaths 0 0 0

Example 18: Prevention of High-Frequency Episodic Migraine in a ClinicalStudy of Antibody G1

A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled,parallel-group study comparing anti-CGRP antibody G1 to placebo wasperformed in subjects with high-frequency episodic migraine (HFEM).Study design followed that of Example 17, with two differences. First,inclusion criteria (3) was for subjects fulfilling criteria for episodicmigraine as per the Second Edition of The International Headache Society(Olesen and Steiner 2004), who experience migraine at high frequency asfollows: (a) History of headaches on more than 8 days per month for atleast 3 months prior to screening; (b) verification of headachefrequency through prospectively collected baseline information duringthe 28-day run-in phase demonstrating headaches (of any type) on 8 to 14days with at least 8 days fulfilling criteria for at least one of (i)migraine, (ii) probable migraine, or (iii) use of triptans or ergotcompounds. Second, dosing schedules were changed for the groupsreceiving G1. Specifically, injections were administered subcutaneouslyover a 3-month period (every 28 days) to subjects in each of thefollowing groups: (1) those randomized to the 675 mg arm received 675 mgof G1 every 28 days; (2) those randomized to the 225 mg arm receive 225mg of G1 every 28 days; and (3) those randomized to placebo receive aplacebo injection every 28 days. A summary of the disposition anddemographics of subjects in the study is provided in Table 13. Endpointsof the study included decrease in number of migraine days and decreasein number of headache days of any severity.

TABLE 13 Placebo 225 mg 675 mg Total Randomized 104   96   97   297  Analyzed as ITT 104 (100%) 95 (99%)  96 (99%)  295 (99%)  In SafetyAnalysis 104 (100%) 96 (100%) 97 (100%) 297 (100%) Age (mean years) 42.040.8 40.7 41.2 % women 88% 91% 85% 88% % white 82% 77% 76% 78%

Average decrease in number of migraine days relative to baseline at eachof months 1, 2, and 3 (M1, M2, and M3, respectively) for each of thegroups are represented in FIG. 17. Results show a statisticallysignificant decrease in both treatment groups relative to the placebogroup at all three time-points, including after the very first dose.Statistical significance relative to the placebo group is provided bythe indicated p-values.

Average decrease in number of headache days of any severity relative tobaseline at each of months 1, 2, and 3 (M1, M2, and M3, respectively)for each of the groups are represented in FIG. 18. Results show astatistically significant decrease in both treatment groups relative tothe placebo group at all three time-points, including after the veryfirst dose. Statistical significance relative to the placebo group isprovided by the indicated p-values.

Both doses were well tolerated, and no safety issues emerged. A summaryof treatment emergent adverse events (TEAE) by group is provided inTable 14. The four serious TEAEs were due to one case of fibulafracture, one case of tremor due to stopping medication and two migrainecases requiring emergency room (ER) treatment.

TABLE 14 Placebo 225 mg 675 mg N (%) N (%) N (%) TEAE 58 (56)  44 (46) 57 (59)  Related TEAE 24 (23%) 26 (27%) 24 (25%) Serious TEAE 0 2 (2%) 2(2%) Related serious TEAE 0 0 0 TEAE Causing 0 4 (4%) 2 (2%)Discontinuation Deaths 0 0 0

Example 19: Non-Clinical Safety

Two studies assessing the safety of antibody G1 were conducted incynomolgus monkeys. In the first study, safety of a single dose ofantibody G1 was evaluated. In the second study, safety of repeateddosing of antibody G1 was evaluated. Each of the studies and theirresults are further described in detail below. For both the single andrepeat-dose studies, antibody G1 was formulated as a 51.4 mg/mL solutionin 20 mM histidine, 84 mg/mL trehalose dihydrate, 0.2 mg/mL polysorbate80, 0.05 mg/mL disodium EDTA dihydrate and 0.1 mg/mL L-methionine,pH˜5.5. Vehicle was formulated identically without antibody G1.Additionally, in both studies, blood samples were taken periodically foranalysis of antibody G1 plasma concentration using a validated ELISAmethod.

Data were first aggregated in summary tables and figures using GraphPadPrism (version 6.0) and Excel 2010 (Microsoft). For the single exposurestudy, telemetry data were analyzed using ANOVA. Analysis was performedusing SAS Release 8.2. In order to normalize the QT interval over arange of R-R intervals, Individual Animal Correction Factors (IACFs)were generated for each animal by relating each RR-interval with itsassociated QT-interval. The linear regression of this QT/RR-intervalrelationship was determined for the data set. The slope of this linearregression was used as the IACF for the associated animal across alltreatments. This IACF was used to calculate the corrected QT-interval(QTc) using the following equation:

QT-I(c)=QT interval corrected for heart rate=QT-I−[(RR−300)*(IACF)].

For the multiple-dose study, one-way ANOVA was also used to analyzedata. If the ANOVA was significant (P≤0.05), Dunnett's post-test wasused for in-between group comparisons. For each gender, the treatedgroup was compared with the control (vehicle) group at the 5% two-tailedprobability level.

Single-Dose Telemetry Study

Eight adult male cynomolgus monkeys (Charles River Primates) weresurgically instrumented with telemeters and allowed to recover for atleast two weeks. Implants (DSI TL11M2-D70-PCT) and receivers (RMC-1)were manufactured by Data Sciences International.

Animals were acclimated to telemetry data acquisition cages at leastovernight prior to dosing. During acclimation, pre-study recording ofhemodynamic parameters was conducted to verify that the transducers andequipment were functioning correctly. During telemetered dataacquisition, animals were housed individually in cages equipped withtelemetry receivers. On non-collection days, animals were housed incages without telemetry receivers. Animals were maintained on a 12-hourslight, 12-hours dark day cycle, with ad libitum water and fed withcertified primate diet.

For the first phase of the study, animals (8 males) were administeredvehicle only, and telemetry data were collected beginning ˜1 hourpre-dose through 22 hours post-dose. Six days after vehicleadministration, the same animals received a single IV administration ofantibody G1 (100 mg/kg, an ˜10-fold greater dose than thepharmacological EC50 in cynomolgus monkeys). Telemeteredelectrocardiographic and hemodynamic data were again continuouslyrecorded from all animals. In addition, these animals were monitored for˜24 hours on days 3, 7, 10 and 14 after receiving their single dose ofantibody G1. Telemetered ECG and blood pressure signals were transmittedvia the implanted radio-telemetry devices to receivers mounted in eachcage. The acquired signals were passed through a data exchange matrix(DSI model DEM) and on to a PC-based data acquisition system (DSIsoftware Ponemah P3 version 3.4); the data analysis software was EmkaTechnologies version 2.4.0.20 (Emka Technologies). The analog/digitalsampling rate was 1,000 Hz for telemetered ECG data and 500 Hz for bloodpressure data. Data were logged as 1 min means.

Group mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) was similar before and aftertreatment with antibody G1 throughout the first day after dosing and onsubsequent days (animals telemetered on days 3, 7, 10 and 14 atidentical time intervals as day 1). At hours 1-4 post-dosing whenantibody G1 blood concentrations were at maximal levels (meanconcentration of 3,500 μg/mL at 4 hours), mean SBP was 111 mmHg comparedwith 113 mmHg at the same time interval following vehicleadministration. Furthermore, SBP was 110 mmHg on days 3 and 7, 109 mmHgon day 10 and 110 mmHg on day 14 after antibody G1 administration.Similar SBP data were recorded for other time intervals. Since this wasa crossover designed study, the treated animals served as their owncontrols. When the data were analyzed as differences in blood pressureafter antibody G1 administration compared with vehicle treatment, thereare minor statistically significant reductions in SBP at the latter timeinterval on days 7, 10 and 14.

Following treatment with antibody G1, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) wasnoted to be around 3 mmHg lower than the mean values obtained aftervehicle administration. From hours 5-22, the group mean for the vehicleand antibody G1 group were similar. The same trend was seen on otherdays, when a slight decrease in the DBP (ranging from 2.62-3.5 mmHg)occurred in the first interval measured, with a few changes of similarmagnitude seen sporadically on days 7-10 in the 7-22 hour interval.Similar to what was seen for the DBP, minor decreases in the heart ratewere seen during the first assessment (hours 1-4) relative to vehicletreatment. Differences were undetectable during the intermediateassessments and were once more seen between hours 18-22 on all days.

Moreover, with respect to ECG findings, there were no statisticallysignificant changes in QTc interval at any time point, relative tovehicle treatment. Although statistically significant changes in RR, PR,RS and QT were seen over the 14 day period when compared with vehicle,they were all minor in absolute value.

Repeat-Dose Safety Study

The repeat-dose safety study included 48 adult, gender-matched (6 pergender per group) antibody G1-naïve cynomolgus monkeys (Charles RiverPrimates). Animals received vehicle or antibody G1 as an intravenousinjection once weekly for 14 weeks at doses of 10 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, or300 mg/kg. In each group, two animals of each gender were allowed torecover for an additional 4 months following the end of dosing.

ECG and blood pressure measurements were recorded once during thepre-study phase, twice after steady-state was achieved (prior to dosingand 4 hours post-dose on Day 85) and once ˜1 week after the end ofdosing (day 103 of the recovery phase). Animals were anesthetized withketamine and ECGs were recorded using eight leads. Measurement of ECGs(including heart rate) was done with the captured data using the LifeScience Suite Ponemah Physiology Platform software system via DSI, usingleads I, II, aVF, CG4RL and CV4LL, as standard. A heart rate correctionfor the QT interval (QTc) was calculated using the Bazett formula.

Blood pressure was recorded prior to the first dose, after 12 weeks ofdosing (13 doses) and approximately 1 week after the end of dosing. Nosignificant changes were noted in SBP or DBP in any of the treatedgroups of animals relative to vehicle-treated animals. Group mean heartrates were relatively consistent across the dose groups and time pointsmeasured, with no statistical differences measured. Plasmaconcentrations of antibody G1 were measured during the first week ofdosing and at the time of blood pressure and ECG assessments,demonstrating accumulation with repeated, weekly dosing.

Moreover, with respect to ECG findings, there were no significantdifferences in QTc interval across all doses and time points.Additionally, no significant or relevant ECG changes were seen for anyof the ECG parameters assessed over the course of the study.

In summary, antibody G1 was very well tolerated in both studies, with noclinically significant changes noted in any hemodynamic parameter, norany relevant changes noted in any ECG parameter. In cynomolgus monkeys,cardiovascular and hemodynamic parameters do not appear to be affectedby long-term inhibition of CGRP with antibody G1.

It is understood that the examples and embodiments described herein arefor illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changesin light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and areto be included within the spirit and purview of this application. Allpublications, patents and patent applications cited herein are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes to the sameextent as if each individual publication, patent or patent applicationwere specifically and individually indicated to be so incorporated byreference.

Deposit of Biological Material

The following materials have been deposited with the American TypeCulture Collection, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, Va.20110-2209, USA (ATCC):

ATCC Date of Material Antibody No. Accession No. Deposit pDb.CGRP.hFcGIG1 heavy chain PTA-6867 Jul. 15, 2005 pEb.CGRP.hKGI G1 light chainPTA-6866 Jul. 15, 2005

Vector pEb.CGRP.hKGI is a polynucleotide encoding the G1 light chainvariable region and the light chain kappa constant region; and vectorpDb.CGRP.hFcGl is a polynucleotide encoding the G1 heavy chain variableregion and the heavy chain IgG2 constant region containing the followingmutations: A330P331 to S330S331 (amino acid numbering with reference tothe wildtype IgG2 sequence; see Eur. J. Immunol. (1999) 29:2613-2624).

These deposits were made under the provisions of the Budapest Treaty onthe International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for thePurpose of Patent Procedure and the Regulations thereunder (BudapestTreaty). This assures maintenance of a viable culture of the deposit for30 years from the date of deposit. The deposit will be made available byATCC under the terms of the Budapest Treaty, and subject to an agreementbetween Rinat Neuroscience Corp. and ATCC, which assures permanent andunrestricted availability of the progeny of the culture of the depositto the public upon issuance of the pertinent U.S. patent or upon layingopen to the public of any U.S. or foreign patent application, whichevercomes first, and assures availability of the progeny to one determinedby the U.S. Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks to be entitledthereto according to 35 USC Section 122 and the Commissioners rulespursuant thereto (including 37 CFR Section 1.14 with particularreference to 886 OG 638).

The assignee of the present application has agreed that if a culture ofthe materials on deposit should die or be lost or destroyed whencultivated under suitable conditions, the materials will be promptlyreplaced on notification with another of the same. Availability of thedeposited material is not to be construed as a license to practice theinvention in contravention of the rights granted under the authority ofany government in accordance with its patent laws.

Antibody Sequences

G1 heavy chain variable region amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 1)EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSNYWISWVRQAPGKGLEWVAEIRSESDASATHYAEAVKGRFTISRDNAKNSLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCLAYFDYGLAIQNYWGQGTLVTVSSG1 liqht chain variable region amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 2)EIVLTQSPATLSLSPGERATLSCKASKRVTTYVSWYQQKPGQAPRLLIYGASNRYLGIPARFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLEPEDFAVYYCSQSYNYPYTFGQGTKLEIKG1 CDR H1 (extended CDR) (SEQ ID NO: 3) GFTFSNYWISG1 CDR H2 (extended CDR) (SEQ ID NO: 4) EIRSESDASATHYAEAVKGG1 CDR H3 (SEQ ID NO: 5) YFDYGLAIQNY G1 CDR L1 (SEQ ID NO: 6)KASKRVTTYVS G1 CDR L2 (SEQ ID NO: 7) GASNRYL G1 CDR L3 (SEQ ID NO: 8)SQSYNYPYTG1 heavy chain variable region nucleotide sequence(SEQ ID NO: 9)GAAGTTCAGCTGGTTGAATCCGGTGGTGGTCTGGTTCAGCCAGGTGGTTCCCTGCGTCTGTCCTGCGCTGCTTCCGGTTTCACCTTCTCCAACTACTGGATCTCCTGGGTTCGTCAGGCTCCTGGTAAAGGTCTGGAATGGGTTGCTGAAATCCGTTCCGAATCCGACGCGTCCGCTACCCATTACGCTGAAGCTGTTAAAGGTCGTTTCACCATCTCCCGTGACAACGCTAAGAACTCCCTGTACCTGCAGATGAACTCCCTGCGTGCTGAAGACACCGCTGTTTACTACTGCCTGGCTTACTTTGACTACGGTCTGGCTATCCAGAACTACTGGGGTCAGGGTACCCTGGTTACCGTTTCCTCCG1 liqht chain variable region nucleotide sequence (SEQ ID NO: 10)GAAATCGTTCTGACCCAGTCCCCGGCTACCCTGTCCCTGTCCCCAGGTGAACGTGCTACCCTGTCCTGCAAAGCTTCCAAACGGGTTACCACCTACGTTTCCTGGTACCAGCAGAAACCCGGTCAGGCTCCTCGTCTGCTGATCTACGGTGCTTCCAACCGTTACCTCGGTATCCCAGCTCGTTTCTCCGGTTCCGGTTCCGGTACCGACTTCACCCTGACCATCTCCTCCCTGGAACCCGAAGACTTCGCTGTTTACTACTGCAGTCAGTCCTACAACTACCCCTACACCTTCGGTCAGGGTACCAAACTGGAAATCAAAG1 heavy chain full antibody amino acid sequence (including modified IgG2 as described herein) (SEQ ID NO: 11)EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSNYWISWVRQAPGKGLEWVAEIRSESDASATHYAEAVKGRFTISRDNAKNSLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCLAYFDYGLAIQNYWGQGTLVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPCSRSTSESTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSNFGTQTYTCNVDHKPSNTKVDKTVERKCCVECPPCPAPPVAGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVQFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQFNSTFRVVSVLTVVHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKGLPSSIEKTISKTKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPMLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGKG1 light chain full antibody amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 12)EIVLTQSPATLSLSPGERATLSCKASKRVTTYVSWYQQKPGQAPRLLIYGASNRYLGIPARFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLEPEDFAVYYCSQSYNYPYTFGQGTKLEIKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQGLSSPVTKSFNRGECG1 heavy chain full antibody nucleotide sequence (including modified IgG2 as described herein) (SEQ ID NO: 13)GAAGTTCAGCTGGTTGAATCCGGTGGTGGTCTGGTTCAGCCAGGTGGTTCCCTGCGTCTGTCCTGCGCTGCTTCCGGTTTCACCTTCTCCAACTACTGGATCTCCTGGGTTCGTCAGGCTCCTGGTAAAGGTCTGGAATGGGTTGCTGAAATCCGTTCCGAATCCGACGCGTCCGCTACCCATTACGCTGAAGCTGTTAAAGGTCGTTTCACCATCTCCCGTGACAACGCTAAGAACTCCCTGTACCTGCAGATGAACTCCCTGCGTGCTGAAGACACCGCTGTTTACTACTGCCTGGCTTACTTTGACTACGGTCTGGCTATCCAGAACTACTGGGGTCAGGGTACCCTGGTTACCGTTTCCTCCGCCTCCACCAAGGGCCCATCTGTCTTCCCACTGGCCCCATGCTCCCGCAGCACCTCCGAGAGCACAGCCGCCCTGGGCTGCCTGGTCAAGGACTACTTCCCAGAACCTGTGACCGTGTCCTGGAACTCTGGCGCTCTGACCAGCGGCGTGCACACCTTCCCAGCTGTCCTGCAGTCCTCAGGTCTCTACTCCCTCAGCAGCGTGGTGACCGTGCCATCCAGCAACTTCGGCACCCAGACCTACACCTGCAACGTAGATCACAAGCCAAGCAACACCAAGGTCGACAAGACCGTGGAGAGAAAGTGTTGTGTGGAGTGTCCACCTTGTCCAGCCCCTCCAGTGGCCGGACCATCCGTGTTCCTGTTCCCTCCAAAGCCAAAGGACACCCTGATGATCTCCAGAACCCCAGAGGTGACCTGTGTGGTGGTGGACGTGTCCCACGAGGACCCAGAGGTGCAGTTCAACTGGTATGTGGACGGAGTGGAGGTGCACAACGCCAAGACCAAGCCAAGAGAGGAGCAGTTCAACTCCACCTTCAGAGTGGTGAGCGTGCTGACCGTGGTGCACCAGGACTGGCTGAACGGAAAGGAGTATAAGTGTAAGGTGTCCAACAAGGGACTGCCATCCAGCATCGAGAAGACCATCTCCAAGACCAAGGGACAGCCAAGAGAGCCACAGGTGTATACCCTGCCCCCATCCAGAGAGGAGATGACCAAGAACCAGGTGTCCCTGACCTGTCTGGTGAAGGGATTCTATCCATCCGACATCGCCGTGGAGTGGGAGTCCAACGGACAGCCAGAGAACAACTATAAGACCACCCCTCCAATGCTGGACTCCGACGGATCCTTCTTCCTGTATTCCAAGCTGACCGTGGACAAGTCCAGATGGCAGCAGGGAAACGTGTTCTCTTGTTCCGTGATGCACGAGGCCCTGCACAACCACTATACCCAGAAGAGCCTGTCCCTGTCTCCAGGAAAGTAAG1 light chain full antibody nucleotide sequence (SEQ ID NO: 14)GAAATCGTTCTGACCCAGTCCCCGGCTACCCTGTCCCTGTCCCCAGGTGAACGTGCTACCCTGTCCTGCAAAGCTTCCAAACGGGTTACCACCTACGTTTCCTGGTACCAGCAGAAACCCGGTCAGGCTCCTCGTCTGCTGATCTACGGTGCTTCCAACCGTTACCTCGGTATCCCAGCTCGTTTCTCCGGTTCCGGTTCCGGTACCGACTTCACCCTGACCATCTCCTCCCTGGAACCCGAAGACTTCGCTGTTTACTACTGCAGTCAGTCCTACAACTACCCCTACACCTTCGGTCAGGGTACCAAACTGGAAATCAAACGCACTGTGGCTGCACCATCTGTCTTCATCTTCCCTCCATCTGATGAGCAGTTGAAATCCGGAACTGCCTCTGTTGTGTGCCTGCTGAATAACTTCTATCCGCGCGAGGCCAAAGTACAGTGGAAGGTGGATAACGCCCTCCAATCCGGTAACTCCCAGGAGAGTGTCACAGAGCAGGACAGCAAGGACAGCACCTACAGCCTCAGCAGCACCCTGACCCTGAGCAAAGCAGACTACGAGAAACACAAAGTCTACGCCTGCGAAGTCACCCATCAGGGCCTGAGTTCTCCAGTCACAAAGAGCTTCAACCGCGGTGAGTGCTAAAmino acid sequence comparison of human and rat CGRP (human α-CGRP (SEQ ID NO: 15); human β-CGRP (SEQ ID NO: 43); rat α-CGRP (SEQ ID NO: 41); and rat β-CGRP (SEQ ID NO: 44)):

Light chain variable region LCVR17 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 58)DIQMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTITCRASQDIDNYLNWYQQKPGKAPKLLIYYTSEYHSGVPSRFSGSGSGTDFTFTISSLQPEDIATYYCQQGDALPPTFGQGTKLEIKHeavy chain variable region HCVR22 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 59)QVQLVQSGAEVKKPGASVKVSCKASGYTFGNYWMQVVVRQAPGQGLEWMGAIYEGTGDTRYIQKFAGRVTMTRDTSTSTVYMELSSLRSEDTAVYYCARLSDYVSGFSYWGQGTLVTVSSLight chain variable region LCVR18 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 60)DIQMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTITCRASQDIDNYLNWYQQKPGKAPKLLIYYTSEYHSGVPSRFSGSGSGTDFTFTISSLQPEDIATYYCQQGDALPPTFGQGTKLEIKHeavy chain variable region HCVR23 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 61)QVQLVQSGAEVKKPGASVKVSCKASGYTFGNYWMQWVRQAPGQGLEWMGAIYEGTGKTVYIQKFAGRVTMTRDTSTSTVYMELSSLRSEDTAVYYCARLSDYVSGFSYWGQGTLVTVSSLight chain variable region LCVR19 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 62)DIQMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTITCRASKDISKYLNWYQQKPGKAPKLLIYYTSGYHSGVPSRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDFATYYCQQGDALPPTFGGGTKVEIKHeavy chain variable region HCVR24 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 63)QVQLVQSGAEVKKPGSSVKVSCKASGYTFGNYWMQWVRQAPGQGLEWMGAIYEGTGKTVYIQKFADRVTITADKSTSTAYMELSSLRSEDTAVYYCARLSDYVSGFGYWGQGTTVTVSSLight chain variable region LCVR20 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 64)DIQMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTITCRASRPIDKYLNWYQQKPGKAPKLLIYYTSEYHSGVPSRFSGSGSGTDFTFTISSLQPEDIATYYCQQGDALPPTFGQGTKLEIKHeavy chain variable region HCVR25 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 65)QVQLVQSGAEVKKPGASVKVSCKASGYTFGNYWMQWVRQAPGQGLEWMGAIYEGTGKTVYIQKFAGRVTMTRDTSTSTVYMELSSLRSEDTAVYYCARLSDYVSGFGYWGQGTLVTVSSLight chain variable region LCVR21 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 66)DIQMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTITCRASQDIDKYLNWYQQKPGKAPKLLIYYTSGYHSGVPSRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDFATYYCQQGDALPPTFGGGTKVEIKHeavy chain variable region HCVR26 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 67)QVQLVQSGAEVKKPGSSVKVSCKASGYTFGNYWMQWVRQAPGQGLEWMGAIYEGTGKTVYIQKFAGRVTITADKSTSTAYMELSSLRSEDTAVYYCARLSDYVSGFGYWGQGTTVTVSSLight chain variable region LCVR27 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 68)QVLTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTINCQASQSVYHNTYLAWYQQKPGKVPKQLIYDASTLASGVPSRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDVATYYCLGSYDCTNGDCFVFGGGTKVEIKRHeavy chain variable region HCVR28 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 69)EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAVSGIDLSGYYMNWVRQAPGKGLEWVGVIGINGATYYASWAKGRFTISRDNSKTTVYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYFCARGDIWGQGTLVTVSSLight chain variable region LCVR29 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 70)QVLTQSPSSISASVGDRVTNCQASQSVYDNNYLAWYQQKPGKVPKQUYSTSTLASGVPSRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDVATYYCLGSYDCSSGDCFVFGGGTKVEIKRHeavy chain variable region HCVR30 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 71)EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAVSGLDLSSYYMQWVRQAPGKGLEWVGVIGINDNTYYASWAKGRFTISRDNSKTTVYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYFCARGDIWGQGTLVTVSSLight chain variable region LCVR31 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 72)QVLTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTINCQASQSVYDNNYLAWYQQKPGKVPKQLIYSTSTLASGVPSRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDVATYYCLGSYDCSSGDCFVFGGGTKVEIKRHeavy chain variable region HCVR32 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 73)EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAVSGLDLSSYYMQWVRQAPGKGLEWVGVIGINDNTYYASWAKGRFTISRDNSKTTVYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYFCARGDIWGQGTLVTVSSLight chain variable region LCVR33 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 74)QVLTQTPSPVSAAVGSTVTINCQASQSVYHNTYLAWYQQKPGQPPKQLIYDASTLASGVPSRFSGSGSGTQFTLTISGVQCNDAAAYYCLGSYDCTNGDCFVFGGGTEVVVKRHeavy chain variable region HCVR34 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 75)QSLEESGGRLVTPGTPLTLTCSVSGIDLSGYYMNWVRQAPGKGLEWIGVIGINGATYYASWAKGRFTISKTSSTTVDLKMTSLTTEDTATYFCARGDIWGPGTLVTVSSLight chain variable region LCVR35 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 76)QVLTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTINCQASQSVYHNTYLAWYQQKPGKVPKQLIYDASTLASGVPSRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDVATYYCLGSYDCTNGDCFVFGGGTKVEIKRHeavy chain variable region HCVR36 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 77)EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAVSGIDLSGYYMNWVRQAPGKGLEWVGVIGINGATYYASWAKGRFTISRDNSKTTVYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYFCARGDIWGQGTLVTVSSLight chain variable region LCVR37 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 78)QSVLTQPPSVSAAPGQKVTISCSGSSSNIGNNYVSWYQQLPGTAPKLLIYDNNKRPSGIPDRFSGSKSGTSTTLGITGLQTGDEADYYCGTWDSRLSAVVFGGGTKLTVLHeavy chain variable region HCVR38 amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 79)QVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFTFSSFGMHWVRQAPGKGLEWVAVISFDGSIKYSVDSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLFLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCARDRLNYYDSSGYYHYKYYGMAVWGQGTTVTVSS

1.-29. (canceled)
 30. A method of decreasing use of an anti-headachemedication in a subject, comprising administering to the subject amonoclonal antibody that modulates the CGRP pathway, wherein themonoclonal antibody is in an amount effective to decrease monthly use ofthe anti-headache medication by the subject by at least 15%.
 31. Themethod of claim 0, wherein the anti-headache medication is selected fromthe group consisting of 5-HT1 agonists, triptans, opiates, β-adrenergicantagonists, ergot alkaloids, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.32. The method of claim 0, wherein the anti-headache medication is atriptan.
 33. The method of claim 30, wherein the monoclonal antibody isan anti-CGRP antagonist antibody.
 34. The method of claim 30, whereinthe amount of the monoclonal antibody is less than 1000 mg.
 35. Themethod of claim 30, wherein the subject is administered less than 3doses per month.
 36. The method of claim 30, wherein the administeringis subcutaneous or intravenous administration.
 37. The method of claim30, wherein the monoclonal antibody is formulated at a concentration ofat least 150 mg/mL.
 38. The method of claim 30, wherein the monoclonalantibody is administered in a volume of less than 2 mL.
 39. The methodof claim 30, wherein the subject is human.
 40. The method of claim 30,wherein the monoclonal antibody is human or humanized.
 41. The method ofclaim 30, wherein the monoclonal antibody comprises (a) an antibodyhaving a CDR H1 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3; a CDR H2 as set forth inSEQ ID NO: 4; a CDR H3 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 5; a CDR L1 as setforth in SEQ ID NO: 6; a CDR L2 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7; and a CDRL3 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8; or (b) a variant of an antibodyaccording to (a) as shown in Table
 6. 42.-43. (canceled)